Report to the Community 2014 | Page 16

SUPPORTER HIGHLIGHTS In 2014 Melbourne Festival welcomed many new partners and enjoyed sharing the Festival once more with many longstanding partners and patrons. In particular, the Festival would not be possible without the invaluable support of the State Government of Victoria, via Arts Victoria and the City of Melbourne. 16 The below are just a few of many invaluable relationships that enable the Festival to continue each year – a full list of our supporters, partnerships and patrons can be found on pages 16–19. MAJOR EVENT PARTNERSHIP Returning for the second year as the Official Airline Partner, China Southern Airlines sponsored two of the Festival’s major productions. Cirkopolis, by Montreal’s Cirque Éloize, and The Annual China Southern Airlines Concert in the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, featuring Greek pop star Mihalis Hatzigiannis and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. As the Naming Rights partner to a pre-eminent destination, Foxtel enabled the Festival to present 15 days of music, fun and frivolity at the Foxtel Festival Hub on the banks of the Yarra River. Yarra Trams and Arts Victoria once again partnered with the Festival for the Melbourne Art Trams project. LEADERSHIP MEDIA PARTNERSHIPS Continuing the long-term partnership with Melbourne Airport, the Festival’s eye-catching pink was seen throughout internal and external spaces, greeting new arrivals to Victoria, encouraging visitors to experience the Festival during their visit to Melbourne. The Age is a long-term partner of the Festival and was one of this year’s Leadership Media Partners. Advertising across The Age’s print and digital channels, as well as wide-ranging editorial coverage, ensured readers were well informed of the Festival. The Age subscribers also enjoyed special offers at Festival events in conjunction with other Festival sponsors. Similarly, a longstanding media partnership with JCDecaux meant the promotional campaign had clear visibility right across Melbourne and the return of an ABC partnership assisted in broadcasting information across ABC Arts (digital), Radio National, Classic FM and Radio 774, as well as their leadership role in providing presenters for the Artist in Conversation series.