You can make a difference

Maureen Ritchie's love of the performing arts, and of the Australian people, has seen her support performers and cultural institutions on a scale few have matched. Maureen supports some of the major names in SA arts, including Vitalstatistix, Womadelaide Foundation, and Brink Theatre among many others.

"To arrive at CASM was not such a big step," says Maureen. "I was familiar with the inspiration, hope and talent that CASM produces. I know some students who have been to CASM but was captivated when I saw David Page in his Cabaret Festival performance of Page 8: he reminded me what sort of impact CASM can have on individuals."

Maureen's gift to the University of Adelaide's Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) provides a huge boost to the Centre, and particularly its outreach program, which holds special appeal for Maureen.

"My interest is in supporting unknown voices, seed projects that are Australian and particularly South Australian. For instance, CASM will go to remote communities to hold music workshops for a week at a time. My imagination runs wild when I think of all the talent that exists there, and my heart fills with joy when I hear how much these projects are loved by the people in the communities."

Maureen's generosity is based on her firm belief in the importance of the arts and the desire to make a real difference. "I believe that the arts are an expansion of its people. What we have in Australia is unique, diverse and dynamic. Supporting the arts allows me to connect with and influence our society's cultural development.

"What I hope to do is assist people to fulfil their dreams, thereby fostering and nurturing our artistic and cultural landscape. In a world dominated by short-term capital gain, these investments are one of the last frontiers that create personal relationships. I love doing it as much as I love Australia and its people!"

For more information about giving to the University of Adelaide, contact:

Development & Alumni
+61 8 8303 5800 or
email: development@adelaide.edu.au