Long-time supporters of the arts, Roderick and Gillian Deane, have been honoured for their substantial and sustained generosity to the arts with the annual Arts Foundation of New Zealand Award for Patronage, presented by Perpetual Trust.

The pair has been given $20,000 by the Arts Foundation to distribute to artists or arts projects of their choice. Their Award was presented at Government House in Wellington last night at a ceremony hosted by Arts Foundation Vice Regal Patron His Excellency The Hon Anand Satyanand, PCNZM QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand and his wife Mrs Susan Satyanand.Long-time supporters of the arts, Roderick and Gillian Deane, have been honoured for their substantial and sustained generosity to the arts with the annual Arts Foundation of New Zealand Award for Patronage, presented by Perpetual Trust.

The pair has been given $20,000 by the Arts Foundation to distribute to artists or arts projects of their choice. Their Award was presented at Government House in Wellington last night at a ceremony hosted by Arts Foundation Vice Regal Patron His Excellency The Hon Anand Satyanand, PCNZM QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand and his wife Mrs Susan Satyanand.In line with previous recipients of the award, Dr and Mrs Deane have announced they will double the fund and distribute $40,000 to four high profile donation recipients. Bass baritone Jonathan Lemalu, soprano opera singer Anna Leese, dancer Delia Mathews, and the TOWER New Zealand Youth Choir will each receive $10,000.

The annual awards honour philanthropists who are making an active contribution to the arts in New Zealand. Private support for the arts is crucial to its survival and the Arts Foundation hopes this Award will inspire others to donate to the arts. Previous recipients are Denis and Verna Adam (2006) and Jenny Gibbs (2007).

One of those receiving a $10,000 donation, Jonathan Lemalu, said he had always been amazed by the Deanes' "humility, warmth and generosity."

"For such respected members of New Zealand society, it is hard to believe they would take an interest in a young man from Dunedin who had nothing but a joy for singing - They have become a huge part of my family life, and support and encourage me in all I do."

Ros Burdon, Chair of the Arts Foundation of New Zealand said the Arts Foundation was proud to honour the Deanes as model patrons and great contributors to the arts in New Zealand.

"Gillian and Roderick Deane have quietly and consistently provided decades of significant support to the arts. They have contributed to a multitude of arts projects, organisations and artists, and have always directed their assistance with careful consideration and a heartfelt desire to see people succeed."

Dr and Mrs Deane created the Deane Endowment Trust in memory of their daughter Kristen, with the intention to assist and benefit the community and individuals in the fields of the arts and culture, scientific research, education, the environment, disability, and the work of charitable voluntary organisations.

Their focus on the arts and culture is by way of sponsorship, through the Trust, of a number of exhibitions and publications by a range of art galleries and museums; by the use of scholarships and grants, especially for educational purposes for young singers, musicians, dancers and artists exhibiting outstanding potential; and through donations to a number of classical music and opera organisations particularly, but not exclusively, those centred in Wellington.

The Deanes said the pleasure they receive from supporting the arts is more than worth any small contribution made.

"Whatever small contributions we are able to make to the arts and the other activities which we support, is much more than matched by the enjoyment and pleasure we receive from being able to help other people in a small way," Mrs Deane said.

Presenting Sponsor, Perpetual Trust, has more than 120 years experience in managing charitable trusts. Chief Executive, Louise Edwards said: "Perpetual understands the value of charitable giving throughout society. We have enjoyed working with Roderick and Gillian Deane in respect of a variety of matters over a number of years. We are therefore delighted to be Presenting Sponsor of this Award in the year that they are acknowledged."

Neil Paviour-Smith, Managing Director of the Arts Foundation's Principal Sponsor - Forsyth Barr said: "As Principal Sponsor and managers of the Arts Foundation's Endowment Fund, we're pleased the Award for Patronage provides the opportunity to celebrate significant patrons. Roderick and Gillian are committed patrons, influencing New Zealand's cultural landscape significantly; and Forsyth Barr warmly congratulates them."

Press Release: Arts Foundation of New Zealand

30/05/08