Across the globe, young art enthusiasts seeking like-minded people with whom to network and socialise can often join young patrons’ groups or circles. However, while the South Australian arts scene has many dedicated, established donor circles, there has been nothing on offer for the young philanthropists of tomorrow – until now.

The Helpmann Academy New Emerging Supporter Set – known as HA>NESS – is a group of culturally and socially savvy young professionals from across a broad range of industries who share a passion for arts and culture in South Australia.

This new and unique donor circle opens the world of contemporary art to the next generation of philanthropists. Designed to make philanthropy accessible, the program has been created with art enthusiasts who want to make a difference to the vibrant, emerging contemporary art scene in South Australia.

Members join a growing community of like-minded people to explore independent galleries, experience emerging theatre, see experimental film, hear contemporary music and much more, all while supporting rising local new artists and emerging creatives.

Hosts Ren Williams and Connor Reidy, of CRAM Collective, at the HA>NESS launch. Photo: Jack Fenby

Donations to this program directly support up-and-coming emerging artists through cash grants to support creative development and the making of new work.

“HA>NESS is a program that I have wanted to develop for several years now,” says Helpmann Academy CEO Jane MacFarlane. “It will not only provide much-needed funding to our emerging creatives but will also build their audiences.

“Our new program is all about cultivating the donors of the future and bringing them into a community of young philanthropists that will support our state’s exciting and new artistic talent of tomorrow.”

HA>NESS was recently launched at Adelaide Contemporary Experimental. Closing the Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition 2023, the “Finissage” event saw guests enjoying a curated night of music, dance, performance and visual art. This immersive experience showcased what being in a young professionals’ donor circle is all about.

Proudly supported by LK Law and Macquarie Group, HA>NESS is championed by a small group of passionate ambassadors: Madeleine Harland, Scott Foreman, Ben Jefferies, Sally Hay and Nataliya Dikovskaya.

Madeleine Harland adds her name to the HA>NESS ambassadors list. Photo: Jack Fenby

“I am so thrilled to be an ambassador for HA>NESS,” says Madeleine Harland, of LK Law. “To be involved at the jumping-off point of such an impactful initiative which directly supports my creative peers is really rewarding.

“Whilst I don’t have creative bone in my body, I love and appreciate art – and I see real value in supporting emerging artists who are at the same general stage and phase of their careers as am I. It’s sort of like growing together.”

Individual membership is $750 per year, with $600 being tax-deductible. Membership can also be purchased as a gift.

With nearly 30 sign-ups already, HA>NESS members can expect invitations to three major events per year, plus enjoy other networking opportunities throughout the year.

On the horizon are tickets to see an emerging theatre show, followed by drinks with the cast, as well as a series called “art tastings” that combines art and wine tastings. Members can also expect to receive discounted tickets and other “money can’t buy” experiences.

“Philanthropy for me is about looking outward and giving back,” says Harland. “I am really proud to commence my own philanthropic journey with HA>NESS.”

The Helpmann Academy and its new HA>NESS ambassadors hope that the offering and purpose of the donor circle resonates with other young professionals and encourages those who have the capacity to do so to sign up.

The new donor circle is gaining traction already and has secured its first patrons with a generous donation from Chris and Christine Guille.

“For nearly 30 years we have been nurturing the next generation of creative talent in South Australia,” says Jane MacFarlane. “I am just so excited to meet the philanthropists of tomorrow, who are just as passionate as we are in supporting and nurturing local artists to develop vibrant practices and, ultimately, provide financial sustainability to them, now and in the future.”

HA>NESS is proudly supported by LK Law and Macquarie Group. The Helpmann Academy also gratefully acknowledges the Plus 1 campaign from Creative Partnerships Australia, whose support matches donations until May 31, 2023. To learn more about the program, click here.