Mark your calendars for November 19-20, 2024, as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Culture Business at the iconic Luna Park Sydney. This year, we've invited 30+ world-class speakers, including fundraising experts, philanthropists, donors, and directors from top institutions, to offer you unparalleled opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and get inspired by industry leaders.

Over two full days, inspiring keynotes, case studies, and interactive workshops will give you the chance to learn from the best strategies at the intersection of arts, education, and business. The program will enable you to discover successful campaigns for securing funding, building impactful partnerships, integrating social and economic impact, inventing new business models, and diving into data analysis.

With over 200 experts in fundraising and business development, Culture Business is designed for Development Managers, Heads of Partnerships, Data Analysts, Major Gift Officers, Strategy Planners, Impact Researchers, Board Members, and Membership Managers. This event attracts professionals eager to stay at the forefront of industry innovations and connect with peers globally. Attendees come from sectors such as performing arts, visual arts, libraries, and heritage, all keen to engage with their peers and stay updated on the latest industry developments.

Culture Business Sydney 2024 is crafted to spark meaningful discussions, ask critical questions, and foster collaborations. Whether you're looking to meet new partners, kickstart projects, gain professional expertise, or simply expand your network, Culture Business is the place to be. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with emerging leaders and new talents from Gen Z, as well as mentors and mentees from our esteemed 30UNDER30 program.

At Culture Business, everyone is an expert. We cultivate a collaborative environment with abundant opportunities to exchange ideas with a diverse range of delegates.

Delegates will gain valuable insights from presentations on capital campaigns, public funding strategies, data analysis, brand marketing, and leadership soft skills. Our program is organized into five key categories:

CONTENT PROGRAM

Even though it feels like turbulent times, that is not new for the cultural sector which is responsive, resilient and most importantly, creative in its responses. A sector that collaborates although each faces its own financial challenges. This conference provides an opportunity to share ideas and look to the future – how to diversify and fund the arts. 

The cultural sector is traditionally a non-profit model but I’d like to challenge that position. I view the cultural sector as a social profit model with for purpose organisations. The arts and creative industries add value and increase social and economic impact. The creative economy is growing in most countries. 

It is the traditional business model but it does not mean that should be the aspiration. The arts need funds beyond government funding to be sustainable. They need financial reserves. Ticket income rarely covers an organisations costs, philanthropy is challenging for smaller organisations and multi year sponsorships are increasingly difficult to secure. 

We will use the conference to explore funding models that provide an alternative to government support. They include impact investing, debt financing, giving days and social enterprises to create sustainable revenue streams. These will be supported by knowledge sharing on the continually increasing importance of data collection and analysis to inform impact reporting for funders and investors.

The exploration of how to future proof the arts will also be covered by an expert panel focusing on the issue of skills shortage in fundraisers and marketing expertise. In response to indepth surveys, the results will be presented along with solutions. Speakers will provide advice on how to attract and incentivise the talent we need to build income in the arts based on their relevant experience. 

Shared values and diversity will be a strong theme throughout the conference. It will be explored from a business, First Nations, disability and cross cultural perspective.

For any question about the program, please contact matthieu@communicatingthearts.org

ocial events are a crucial part of the conference, offering unique opportunities to connect and unwind. Over two days, we offer 10 distinct events for mingling:

• Dream Circus Magic Show in the Big Top Auditorium of Luna Park on November 19th

• Welcome Reception at the listed-heritage Coney Island in Luna Park on the evening of November 19th, surrounded by thrilling rides and attractions

• Architectural Visit of the Art Gallery of NSW on November 20th

• Farewell Drinks at the Art Gallery of NSW on November 20th to conclude your Culture Business experience with an unforgettable evening

Click here to discover the speakers