The winners and finalists of the annual Australia Business Arts Foundation Awards (the AbaF Awards) in Queensland were announced on 9 September.

The AbaF Awards honour the best partnering, volunteering and giving relationships between business and the arts.

This decade-long partnership has culminated in the 2009 announcement of a five-year agreement worth $1.5 million, the gallery’s largest ever corporate sponsorship. The Sixth Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art drew more than half a million visitors. Both partners are keen to engage more with the Asia-Pacific region, making this partnership a perfect alignment of energy and interests.

AbaF Giving Award: Therese Milanovic

Therese set up a donations program enabling her to undertake a residency in New York City to study the Taubman Approach to piano technique – which has helped her overcome playing-related injuries. She has now completed her training as Australia’s first certified Taubman teacher.

AbaF SME Award: State Library of Queensland and Nielson Properties

The State Library of Queensland and Nielson Properties have combined to eliver the annual Nielson Design Lecture over three years. The event brings an nternationally-renowned expert to the State Library to present their ideas about the uilt environment.

QantasLink Regional Award: Queensland Theatre Company and Wesfarmers Resources

Supported by Wesfarmers, Queensland Theatre Company delivers drama workshops of young people in regional communities. Participants learn theatre skills and are nspired by professional artists. The partnership also enables Queensland Theatre Company to tour school performances and main stage productions to regional venues.

Woodside Better Business Award: Backbone Youth Arts and Trent Barton and
Scott Mackenzie, Zero Hour

Trent Barton and Scott Mackenzie, of new media consultancy Zero Hour, assisted Backbone Youth Arts, based in Brisbane, to promote its annual 2-high Festival. They created a new website and a brand strategy to increase the festival’s appeal. Trent and Scott provided training to 13 young people, three of whom have gone on to key roles in the arts sector. Zero Hour’s contribution was vital in securing a significant grant from Arts Queensland.

Toyota Community Award: Goat Track Theatre Company and Scenic Rim
Regional Council

Scenic Rim Regional Council has provided Goat Track Theatre Company with an unused community facility, along with funds to convert it into a performance, rehearsal and office space with in-kind support from local traders. This enables Goat Track to continue creating professional theatre for children and young people in the region.

The six winners from Queensland will go on to the national AbaF Awards, to be presented at a dinner in Sydney on 21 October.

Edit: Thanks to Pia Robinson of ABAF for sending us a couple of great photos of one of the ABAF Queensland winners!  We have some special connections / memories with 2high Festival x