Urgent Appeal for Funding of Head On Foundation

Head On Foundation is Australia’s leading photography non-profit organisation, yet in its 15 years since inception, it did not receive any support from Creative Australia (formerly Australia Council for the Arts).

Head On has exhibited the work of over 6700 photo-based artists through its annual festival and awarded over $780,000 in cash and products to photographers through its annual Head On Photo Awards. 

The Festival presents excellent photographic artwork and visual stories giving voice to Australian and international artists through free exhibitions in public spaces that are visible to over half a million people annually.

We, the signatories of this petition, wish to draw attention to our shared concerns over the persistent shortfall in funding and the consequent downscaling of the Head On Foundation and Head On Photo Festival, a cornerstone organisation that plays a vital role in enriching our community's cultural and creative life. We need your support now more than ever before!

Head On Foundation has significantly contributed to the artistic landscape of Australia in the past 15 years by:

• Cultivating Local Talent: Through the annual world-renowned Head On Photo Festival and year-round program, the Foundation provides an essential platform for up-and-coming and established artists to present their work and engage with international art, fostering the growth and continuity of our local arts community.
• Fostering Community Engagement: Through organising workshops, events, and complimentary exhibitions, the Foundation has succeeded in making art accessible to a wider audience, fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity.
• Safeguarding Cultural Heritage: The Foundation is at the forefront of preserving and promoting our distinctive cultural heritage through the medium of photography.

The Head On Foundation not only nurtures the abilities of both new and established artists but also energises our community, stimulates the local economy, and elevates Australia's cultural standing internationally.

The ongoing fund deprivation from Creative Australia threatens not just the Head On Foundation but also the community that depends on its activities. Financial aid from Creative Australia is crucial to ensure the Head On Foundation can persist in providing:

• An annual, acclaimed festival throughout Sydney that exhibits a variety of artwork from international artists at all career stages in public spaces
• International showcases via partnerships with festivals and organisations in Europe, North America, Asia, UK, China, and New Zealand
• A year-long program that reaches Australians in urban, regional, and remote areas through digital platforms and regional workshops.

We implore you to revisit your funding strategy and commit to supporting the Head On Foundation. By endorsing this petition, we collectively affirm that art is an essential element of a dynamic and thriving society.

Please stand with us to guarantee that the Head On Foundation continues to be a dynamic centre for artistic expression and cultural prosperity.

If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to Head On Foundation, please go to https://headon.org.au/donation/

For more info about the Foundation's activities go to https://headon.org.au/magazine/20-years-of-highlights

Photo: Alain Schroeder, winner Head On Environmental Award 2023