Seminar | Is Crowdfunding the Only Option?!
Artists and arts organisations are under increasing pressure to grow new revenue streams to achieve career and organisational sustainability. Join James Boyd, who has over 30 years of experience in sponsorship, private donations, and philanthropic foundations, for this insightful conversation.
This session will explore how individual artists, collectives, and arts organisations can identify the most promising revenue options and understand the keys to success. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is crowdfunding the only option?”, this seminar is for you. While there’s no single solution, you’ll gain a clear understanding of all available options and where to focus your efforts. The session will also include an overview of Creative Australia’s funding opportunities via Music Australia and the Australian Cultural Fund platform.
Who is this workshop for?
• Independent creative artists (musicians)
• Art leaders, staff and volunteers of arts groups and organisations
• Arts professionals
• Board members of arts organisations interested in diversifying their organisation’s income streams
About the presenter:
James Boyd has over 30 years of experience working in the arts in the UK and Australia, with a background in theatre and community cultural development. In 2004 he was appointed Development Director of the West Australia Symphony Orchestra, where he pioneered US-style arts fundraising practices in Australia. Since 2008 he has worked for the Commonwealth Government across the arts and cultural sector, philanthropy and business to encourage greater sustainability through innovative cross-sector engagement, strategic partnerships, sponsorship and philanthropy. His Churchill Fellowship report PURE MONEY? Global Responses Offering Arts Organisations Perspectives and Actions to Help Navigate Private Sector Funding Dilemmas was published in September 2023. In July 2023, he was appointed State Manager, Development and Partnerships (WA), Creative Australia.
Presenter Contact
James Boyd, State Manager, Development & Partnerships (WA) Creative Australia
Tel: 0417 977 022
Creative Australia
Creative Australia is the Australian Government’s principal arts investment and advisory body. We were founded as the Australia Council for the Arts in 1968 and established by the Australia Council Act 1975. In 2023 we welcomed the Australian Government’s National Cultural Policy – Revive, the centrepiece of which was the establishment of Creative Australia, an expanded and modernised Australia Council and a transformational step in the evolution of the organisation. www.creative.gov.au
State Managers, Development & Partnerships
Creative Australia’s State Manager Development & Partnerships provide advice on philanthropy, fundraising and development, and securing investment and partnerships for artists and arts organisations.

