Arts Centre Melbourne Announces Funeral Details for Miss Betty Amsden, AO DSJ

The funeral service for Miss Betty Amsden, AO DSJ, will be held in the State Theatre at Arts Centre Melbourne on Thursday March 9 at 3pm. All are welcome.

"Miss Betty Amsden, AO, DSJ was one of Australia's most visible and vocal advocates for a larger and more public model of philanthropy. She will be missed dearly by her many, many Arts Centre Melbourne friends, and many others in the wider community. Her tireless efforts have transformed the cultural landscape for young Melburnians and their families. Betty would tell everyone that Arts Centre Melbourne is THEIR arts centre and she encouraged us to open our doors and welcome everyone in," said Claire Spencer, Chief Executive Officer, Arts Centre Melbourne.

Making an extraordinary contribution to changing attitudes about private giving, particularly for the arts and community sectors, Betty's tireless involvement in raising the profile of philanthropy in the organisations she supported and increasing their capacity to fundraise, set her apart from her contemporaries.

The breadth and depth of Betty's support to Arts Centre Melbourne was astonishing and included:

• Establishing the $5 million Betty Amsden Arts Education Endowment for Children in 2009, one of the largest gifts ever to the performing arts in Australia
• An additional $1 million in 2013 to develop a four-year program of major public events to further promote the importance of philanthropy and social inclusion, events such as "Play Me, I'm Yours", "Home", "Dominoes" and this year's program "Fun Run"
• Support of "Lord of the Flies" which offers performance opportunities to boys and young men who may otherwise not have the opportunity
• Support for the Arts Centre Melbourne lead arts sector mental health and wellbeing project, the Arts Wellbeing Collective
• Patron of the First Call Fund for support of schools and community groups to experience world class performing arts at Arts Centre Melbourne
• Funding of the Betty Amsden Scholarship for Leadership in Arts Management, an annual professional development program for lower and middle management at Arts Centre Melbourne

Betty's long and highly active history of philanthropy has made an indelible mark on the arts in Victoria that will benefit generations well into the future. In particular, her work in this sector has significantly raised the profile of arts education programs in Victoria. Her patronage and advocacy has enabled organisations such as Arts Centre Melbourne, The Australian Ballet School, Orchestra Victoria and Polyglot Theatre to significantly expand efforts in this area and develop innovative participatory programs for children and young people.

The funeral service will feature performances by The Australian Ballet School and Orchestra Victoria, conducted by Nicolette Fraillon. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Arts Centre Melbourne's Arts Access initiative, First Call Fund, via envelopes available at the service or online via www.artscentremelbourne.com.au.