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Be a modern day Medici
By Heather Wallace
Throughout the centuries, arts communities have relied on the largesse of influential patrons. The Medicis, for example, were as well known for their patronage of the arts as they were for breeding Renaissance popes and creative ways of exterminating enemies.
But you don't have to be a member of a centuries old family nor do you have to be wealthy to support the arts in Australia. Anyone can be an arts patron with donations of $2 or more to organisations listed on the Register of the Cultural Gifts Organisations (ROCO) being tax deductible.
ROCO was established in 1991 to assist cultural organisations attract private sector support by offering a 100 per cent tax deduction for donations received.
Being listed on ROCO makes it possible for cultural organisations to obtain financial support from the community for arts-related activities. Donations of money and property through ROCO assist arts organisations to enhance their sustainabilty and the calibre of their creative endeavours.
Arts enthusiasts can choose to support any of the 860 organisations participating in ROCO. The diversity of organisations involved is enormous, reflecting the varied interests of Australian society. Youth choirs, orchestras, dance and theatre groups, writers' associations and visual artists, are joined in ROCO by community groups involved in producing festivals and eisteddfods.
It isn't always money that is donated under ROCO. Practical gifts such computers or photocopiers are often as welcome as monetary donations. In addition, donations of appreciated assets like real estate, shares and equipment that are valued at more than $5 000 can be claimed as a deduction over a period of five years.
Australians have been proving themselves as strong supporters of the arts with a total of $24 million donated in 2001-02 to organisations listed on ROCO. Being a cultural benefactor means being involved in a long tradition that enriches both the arts and the community.
Contact:
For more information on the Register of Cultural Organisations visit www.dcita.gov.au/roco or phone 02 6271 1640.