Woollahra Council turns down funding for local orchestra
Image: Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra (WPO) in concert. Photo: Facebook
by GRACE JOHNSON
In their last meeting, Woollahra Council voted down a motion to provide funding to their local orchestra of $7,500 for the commissioning of a new work.
Established in 1996, the Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra (WPO) was founded by local amateur musicians after receiving backing from Woollahra Municipal Council.
The orchestra comprises up to 50 members who come from all backgrounds, including amateurs, students and professionals.
The motion asked that Council, in recognition of the long-standing relationship with the WPO, provide funding to the WPO of $7,500 for the commissioning of a new work by celebrated Australian composer, Elena Kats-Chernin, also a patron of the orchestra.
The work would be called ‘Woollahra’ and would be premiered and performed by WPO in June 2024.
The motion was put forward by Councillors Grieve, Swan and Elsing.
However, with 7 votes against, the motion was lost.
Speaking to City Hub, Cr Grieve said, “It is very disappointing that a culturally rich council such as Woollahra is not contributing to the Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra to commission a piece called Woollahra, [which] would contribute immensely to our cultural heritage.”
“What price can you put on the significance of this work and the work of the musicians,” said Cr Grieve.
“This will be the first time Council will not be supporting the artists since the founding of the WPO.”
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Amongst the members of council who voted down the motion was Mayor Richard Shields. A spokesperson for the council told City Hub that the funding would have been inappropriate.
“Council came to a decision that a separate, one-off funding allocation for commissioning of a new work by the Orchestra was not appropriate,” said the spokesperson.
“Council has provided support to the Orchestra through our Grants Program over many years, and our staff are happy to work with the Orchestra in helping it to meet Grant Policy Guidelines, should it wish to apply for funding as part of the 2024/25 program.”
WPO had previously applied for a grant during Council’s 2023 round of grant funding, their request being $7,500 made as a contribution to the commissioning of an orchestral work by their patron Elena Kats-Chernin.
The grants assessment panel did not recommend this grant and therefore this application was not recommended to Council for funding.
Council at the time thought the WPO’s application did not provide as high a community or cultural benefit as the other applications.
The importance of the arts
In the notice of motion notes, Crs Grieve, Swan and Elsing emphasised that an organisation like the WPO is unique across the area as a local institution that provides opportunities for musicians to come together.
As a comparison, Willoughby Council provides significant funding to the Willoughby Symphony, according to their financial statements.
In the 2021-2022 period, Willoughby Council provided $130,000 of funding, and around $190,000 the following year, also noting that the council has a performing space available to the symphony orchestra.
Cr Grieve emphasised the importance of funding the arts on a council level.
“Councils are more than roads, rates and rubbish.”
“We are also responsible for delivering a community our residents want to live in such as beautiful trees, parks and culture.”
