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- The Capital Fund celebrates 25 years
The Capital Fund celebrates 25 years
Established to secure the future of our national opera company, the Capital Fund is now playing a vital role for Opera Australia.
The creation of the Capital Fund in 2000 was a milestone in the arts in Australia, and in the life of Opera Australia. Founded to build financial reserves that would provide long-term sustainability, donations and bequests – gifts in Wills – to the Capital Fund are invested securely to build a capital reserve. The income from the Fund is directed to Opera Australia in annual grants.
The Capital Fund is a separate entity to Opera Australia, with its own Board of Directors whose careful stewardship of the Capital Fund ensures that it continues to grow. It now provides a consistent and meaningful source of income for Opera Australia, year after year.
Thanks to the donors and bequestors who have shared this vision, the Capital Fund has become a bedrock of support, helping to cushion Opera Australia against the financial impact of economic and box office fluctuations. Over twenty-five years, as the value of the Fund has grown, so too has the value of the annual distributions. Since its first grant was given in 2007, the Capital Fund has now made grants to the Company totaling $12m.
At the heart of the Capital Fund is the Council of Governors, a distinguished circle of opera lovers whose generous support of the Fund over its 25-year history has made an extraordinary impact. Gathering at a series of unique dinners and receptions throughout the year, with exclusive recitals by Australia’s most esteemed singers, the Capital Fund’s supporters share their love of opera and their commitment to its future.
After twenty-five years, the Capital Fund can demonstrate a track record of careful management and success. Support of the Capital Fund is an investment that makes a lasting impact on the history and heritage of Opera Australia, and the important role it plays in our cultural life.
In its 25th anniversary year, the Capital Fund is renewing its commitment to its founding objectives and to its continuing growth. The 25th Anniversary Campaign has set a fundraising goal to increase the Fund’s value by 25%. In doing so it will enlarge the annual grant to Opera Australia, helping further to ensure the Company’s long-term security.
Every donation and bequest to the Capital Fund is a gift to the future – future generations of opera audiences, artists and artisans. And it is an enduring show of support for this most inspiring of artforms.
To find out more about the Opera Australia Capital Fund or how you can support the 25th Anniversary Campaign, you are invited to contact Nicholas Selman, General Manager, (nicholas.selman@opera.org.au or 02 9318 8305) or to visit the Capital Fund’s web page.

“The Capital Fund is providing consistent and essential support year on year for Opera Australia, allowing us to achieve our mission to develop and nurture new generations of Australian talent, on and off the stage. The Capital Fund is a steadfast friend to the Company and a remarkable success story in the arts in our country.”
— Rod Sims AO, Chairman of Opera Australia
