Become a Sponsor
Help fund lifesaving research by Dementia Australia Research Foundation
What we seek to achieve through your sponsorship
The exact number of people with dementia in Australia is currently not known. It was estimated that in 2020 there was between 400,000 and 459,000 Australians with dementia (AIHW 2018; DA 2020), however the updated estimate in 2022 is there are 487,500 Australians living with Dementia.
Dementia is costing Australia more than $15 billion per year. By 2025, (only 3 years time) the total cost of dementia in Australia is predicted to increase to more than $18.7 billion in today’s dollars, and by 2056, to more than $36.8 bill.
One of the pressing issues is to build capacity in the dementia research sector by supporting students and early career dementia researchers.
The Dementia Australia Research Foundation is only supported by donations from the public, however it plays a major role in this effort and funds a number of new and early career researchers through scholarships and project grants.
Dementia Australia funded scientists at Macquarie University have made a ground breaking discovery that could change the future of people living with Dementia.
Brothers Professor Lars and Dr Arne Ittner have developed a gene therapy that has the capacity to protect the brain against the toxic effects of Dementia. Significant funding is needed to commence clinical trials.
Another community focused project is the development of creative arts programs to maintain healthy brains and minds in older adults and the development of Dementia Alliances within communities to create Dementia Friendly Communities.
Your sponsorship of this event offers an opportunity be part of the search to find a cure while demonstrating a commitment to supporting those in our community already struggling with the impact of the disease.
Our focus for the 2023 event
Last year, we raised $19,000 as a result of this event. In 2023, our focus will be:
Support local Dementia Care Services. ($1000 went to Opal Care Community in 2021. $1000 went to Orana Gardens Special Care Unit in 2022)
Grow a major Art Event and Prize for Dubbo since the loss of the Annual Arts and Crafts Society Art Prize and the Mortimore Art Prize
Raise funds for Dementia Australia Research Foundation ($12000 donated in 2021 & $18000 in 2022)
Using the significant connection between art, nature and health to engender a community focus and commitment towards Dementia research and supporting local care services
Focus attention towards the significant impact and the growing health risk within our community
To raise awareness and support for the care of people in our community with dementia, support dementia research and to recognise the creative talent of artists across the region who with their creativity are providing the platform for discussion and connection
artists statements from 2021 which brought a focus to the impact of dementia in their lives
“My mother entered a care home in 2019 until then I was caring for her. This artwork represents my journey in learning how isolating dementia is for all involved. The red Earth is for Dubbo the crochet rug for aged care, butterflies the words and meanings escaping her, the emptiness and loneliness of the disease represented by the outback landscape under the southern cross.”
“My mother went into care with dementia soon after we moved to Dubbo 20 years ago. She survived almost another 10 years. I spent a lot of time with her and one of the things that struck me was the very rare and precious glimpses into her eyes where for a split second she knew me. As if the dementia blew aside like a cloud and the beautiful sunshine of my mum would shine through. I wanted to capture that fleeting spiritual connection.”
How will sponsorship funds be utilised
As there are a number of components to this event, corporate sponsorship, donations and in-kind support will all be utilised to ensure its success.
We offer 3 levels of sponsorship - Bronze $250, Silver $500 or Gold $1000.
The sponsorship will accumulatively support all components of the event in the form of prize money for the Art Prize, catering, equipment hire and promotional costs. All entry fees and ticket purchases, voting, contributions and if any, excess sponsorship will all form part of the total donation.
The ‘Memory Makers’ Art Prize
Eligible to all Australian artists.
Artworks can be of any subject and any medium as long as it draws upon a memory of the artist. See the entry form for more details.
The Cocktail Party
Hosted in the garden on Saturday evening to announce the winners of the Art prize. Mudgee based musician Jess Jones will be setting the scene for us all with her beautiful sounds.
The Open Garden
Lorraine has a passion for her beautiful garden and will open it to the public on Sunday alongside 2 other beautiful gardens this year. Finalists from the art prize will be displayed in Lorraine’s art studio and undercover veranda areas.
Visitors will be encouraged, using gold coin donations, to vote for the People’s Choice Award. A bottomless cup and refreshments will be available, music, guest speakers will encourage visitors to linger.
Sponsorship Opportunity
The commitment is for this to become an Annual Fundraising Event in our region. Supported by Dementia Australia it will also be part of their National Calender of Fundraising Events. Sponsors become significant partners for this event with all the potential media and public exposure that can be enlisted.
More importantly, to date, there has not been a major fundraising effort for Dementia in this region and as there is no longer an Annual Art prize. The Dubbo Arts and Craft Society used to run an Annual Art show and prize that attracted over 200 entries for more than 25 years. This has been a significant loss to Dubbo’s Creative Community.
Here is an opportunity to be part of an event that is expected to grow in size and significance. Other Art prizes in regional NSW such as Dunedoo Art Unlimited, Mudgee Sculptures in the Garden, Albury City National Photography prize and Casella Art Prize in Griffith are all significant to their communities and have grown since inception to be highly regarded and recognised.
We believe reigniting a significant art event in Dubbo provides the same scope.