James Packer targets western Sydney with $60 million arts pledge - 12th November 2013

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James Packer Crown Limited Social and Community Charity Art Creative Arts Sydney

James Packer admits he may not be "the most committed art and theatre goer", but his $60 million Sydney Arts Fund assures him the best seat in the house, should he one day choose to catch a show or take in an exhibition.

Packer on Tuesday pledged a philanthropic contribution to the Sydney arts community of $30 million from the Crown Resorts Foundation as part of his casino's corporate social responsibility programs. A further $30 million will come from the Packer family, beginning in the 2014/15 financial year. The money is to be dispensed over 10 years starting in 2014-15.

Half of the funding will be committed to and spent in western Sydney – organisations and institutions can apply for funding "awarded on merit", according to a statement issued by Crown.

Independent cultural advisers will be appointed from western Sydney to advise and support the CRF board in the awarding of western Sydney grants.

Of the remaining $30 million, Sydney Theatre Company will receive $15 million and the Art Gallery of NSW $10 million.

A further $5 million will flow to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Bangarra Dance Company, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney Opera House and a number of others.

As the fund will consider applications or requests as they come in, "that list has yet to be determined", a Crown spokesman said.

"I am most excited about providing funding for western Sydney arts projects," Mr Packer said. "For too long the vast majority of Sydney's population has missed out on this sort of endeavour and many of these organisations have had to exist on the tightest budgets. I know local western Sydney organisations will make the funds go a long way and touch many people's lives for the better."

The CRF board, chaired by Helen Coonan, will administer the proposed fund and will receive support and advice from Gretel Packer, "who was instrumental in developing this initiative", according to the statement.

"The people of Sydney have been wonderful to my family and we feel very lucky to live in this community," Mr Packer said. "As a philanthropic contribution, this long-term commitment is comparatively modest, but our hope is that the funding will contribute positively to these cultural institutions and allow them to reach out further, ensuring many more people can access their artistic endeavours.

"I may not be the most committed art and theatre goer, but I know from my own family how much joy the arts can provide; all Sydneysiders should have access to see the very best art and performances." (The Sydney Morning Herald)