I have met many passionate ballet advocates who believe, like me, that there is a new generation of ballet lovers who would embrace an initiative that caters directly to them. SARAH MURDOCH I have been incredibly fortunate to have been involved with The Australian Ballet since 2004, when I first saw the company perform in New York City. I fell in love with the extraordinary athleticism of our dancers the power, strength and artistry that I believe is unique to the company. There is just something about The Australian Ballet. I know there are many who share this passion for our national ballet company. Our fan base stretches far and wide, from our biggest cities to some of our smallest towns, and includes the audiences for our education and engagement programs and our international tours. However, without philanthropic support we would not be able to deliver the programs we do, to stretch the imagination, to push the boundaries, and so it is imperative we support this wonderful art form. The aim of our Ballet Ambassador Program is to bring you something we have never done before, to inspire and delight the next generation of supporters with special access to a program of events, all with a behind the curtain element and privileged access to the ballet s artistic team and dancers. So please join me as a Ballet Ambassador as we experience together the extraordinary world of The Australian Ballet. With much appreciation, Sarah Murdoch Deputy Chair The Australian Ballet
THE BALLET AMBASSADOR PROGRAM The Ballet Ambassador Program is a dynamic initiative that engages with Sydney's young culture-goers and welcomes them, as the next generation of our patrons and supporters, into the active life of The Australian Ballet. The program offers a unique opportunity to enjoy and learn more about Australia s national dance company, while giving invaluable assistance to help us deliver our broad range of activities across the country. As a Ballet Ambassador you will enjoy privileged, behind the scenes access to the Ballet and invitations to purchase tickets to exclusive Behind the Curtain events that give a unique insight into The Australian Ballet. Ballet Ambassadors contribute a tax-deductible donation of $1,000 or more per annum to be part of the program, with these generous contributions helping us to be one of the world s leading ballet companies.
BEHIND THE CURTAIN EVENTS The Ballet Ambassador Program creates an annual calendar of special events centered around our mainstage productions at the Sydney Opera House, our annual Children s Ballet, and other special events at private homes and exclusive venues around Sydney. At each Behind the Curtain event you ll enjoy some of Sydney s finest food, French champagne and premium wines, the opportunity to meet dancers and members of The Australian Ballet s artistic team, and of course, great seats to savor a spectacular performance. Behind the Curtain events give Ballet Ambassadors a unique perspective on our art form while allowing you to enjoy the company of this dynamic group of like-minded young influencers. Each event is individually ticketed, so you can enjoy as many of these events as you wish.
DONATION FORM YOUR BALLET AMBASSADOR GIFT Ballet Ambassador gifts are $1000+ annually I am pleased to make a Ballet Ambassador gift of $ I would like my gift to remain anonymous I would like my gift acknowledged as follows: YOUR DETAILS Full Name Address Suburb State Postcode Telephone Email PAYMENT OPTIONS CREDIT CARD Please debit my credit card on receipt of this form for the entire contribution amount above Please debit my credit card quarterly in four equal instalments Your first instalment will be charged on receipt of this form. Subsequent instalments will be charged quarterly on the 15th day of the month. Complete your credit card details below and return this form to The Australian Ballet using the address overleaf. Mastercard Visa AMEX Cardholder name Card number / / / Expiry date / Alternatively, phone 1300 752 900 to make a credit card payment by phone. DIRECT DEPOSIT The Australian Ballet Foundation BSB number: 083-817 Account number: 79 880 9289 Please include your surname in your payment reference and email philanthropyservices@australianballet.com.au once paid. PRIVACY We collect information about you to manage the support which you are providing to us. Unless and until you ask us not to, we may also use your details to solicit sponsorship, donations and other support and to update you about The Australian Ballet, its programmes and services, such as annual subscription seasons, performances, products and special events, and to inform you about products, services and events from affiliated organisations in which you may be interested. We may disclose personal information to service providers and others as described in our Privacy Policy which is available on request or via www. australianballet.com.au. Our Privacy Policy also contains further details about how we collect and handle personal information and how you can access and update your personal information or make a complaint. You can contact our Privacy Officer on 1300 369 741 and privacy@australianballet.com.au. Tick here if you do not wish to receive communications about events, products, services and donations as described above.
BALLET AMBASSADOR BOARD Sarah Murdoch Co-Chair Georgina Curran Co-Chair Ellie Aitken Juliet Anderson Josie Ashton Alina Barlow Leah Bischoff Sanchia Brahimi Rebecca Buttrose Collette Dinnigan Vanessa Gilbert Sarah Ingham Edwina McCann Chris Mulcahy Susie Nugan Francesca Packer Barham Lucas Partington Philippa Pomeranz Hannah Skrzynski Alisa St.John Valentina Stojanovska Victoria Webb For more information about the Ballet Ambassador Program please contact Jane Messenger 02 9253 5317 janem@australianballet.com.au Please return your completed form to: The Australian Ballet The Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre The Philanthropy Team Reply Paid 79407 Southbank VIC 3006 ABN 57 004 849 987
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: WHAT IS THE BALLET AMBASSADOR PROGRAM? A: The Ballet Ambassador Program is a dynamic new initiative that invites and engages with Sydney s young (25 to 50) culture goers and welcomes them, as the next generation of our patrons and supporters, into the active life of The Australian Ballet. The program offers a unique opportunity to enjoy and learn more about Australia s national dance company whilst giving invaluable assistance to help us deliver our broad range of activities across the country. Q: HOW DO I BECOME A BALLET AMBASSADOR? A: Ballet Ambassadors contribute a tax deductible donation of $1,000 or more per annum to be part of the program with these generous contributions going towards The Australian Ballet s general activities. Q: DO I HAVE TO MAKE MY DONATION IN ONE PAYMENT? A: Donations can be made in a single payment or can be made on a quarterly basis via credit card direct debit. Q: HOW ARE BALLET AMBASSADORS RECOGNISED FOR THEIR SUPPORT? A: The Ballet Ambassador Program is a philanthropic program designed to engage the next generation of The Australian Ballet s supporters and patrons. In recognition of this support, donors are acknowledged as Ballet Ambassadors in all Australian Ballet main stage programs, on our website and in our annual report. As a Ballet Ambassador you will enjoy privileged, behind the scenes access to the Ballet and invitations to purchase tickets to exclusive Behind the Curtain events that provide a unique insight into the world of The Australian Ballet. Q: WHAT ARE BEHIND THE CURTAIN EVENTS? A: The Ballet Ambassador Program creates an annual calendar of special events including three centered around our main stage and Children s Ballet productions at the Sydney Opera House, and other special events at private homes and exclusive venues around Sydney. At each Behind the Curtain event you ll enjoy some of Sydney s finest food, French champagne, premium wines and the opportunity to meet dancers and members of The Australian Ballet s artistic team, and of course, great seats to savor a spectacular performance. Behind the Curtain events offer a unique perspective of our art form whilst enjoying the company of a dynamic group of likeminded young influencers. Each event is individually ticketed. You can either subscribe to all three main stage Behind the Curtain events and receive a discounted rate, or purchase tickets to individual events.
Q: HOW MUCH DO BEHIND THE CURTAIN EVENTS COST? A: Each event is costed and priced individually with any surplus supporting The Australian Ballet. For the 2016 season Behind the Curtain events associated with our main stage Sydney Opera House productions cost $250 per person. Q: HOW MANY TICKETS CAN I PURCHASE TO BEHIND THE CURTAIN EVENTS? A: As tickets for each Behind the Curtain event are limited, each Ballet Ambassador may purchase a maximum of 2 tickets to each event. When seating availability allows, this number may increase for certain events. Tickets are available on a first come first served basis. Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE ALREADY BOUGHT TICKETS TO A PERFORMANCE? A: If you have already purchased a ticket to a performance and would like to attend the Behind the Curtain event associated with this production instead, we are happy to refund you for your original ticket, and use this as a credit towards your Behind the Curtain event ticket. Q: HOW LONG DO I REMAIN A BALLET AMBASSADOR? A: The Ballet Ambassador Program is an annual giving program. As such you will receive acknowledgment and invitations to Behind the Curtain events for 12 months from the date of your donation. Q: HOW IS THE BALLET AMBASSADOR PROGRAM RUN? A: The program has its own Ballet Ambassador Board, which is a subcommittee of The Australian Ballet Foundation, and is co-chaired by Sarah Murdoch and Georgina Curran. A number of subcommittees assist with the running and aims of the program and assist The Australian Ballet with particular aspects of our work. The Program is designed to enable Ballet Ambassadors to use their professional and life experience to benefit the life of our company internally and our wider community. New members of these subcommittees are always welcome. FURTHER QUESTIONS? If you would like to know more or speak to us about the program, please contact: Jane Messenger 02 9253 5317 janem@australianballet.com.au