MASTER CLASS charity case
Charity Case
Philanthropy, a gift from the Gods?
private good, focusing on material prosperity) and government (public initiatives for public good, focusing on law and order). Philanthropy encompasses private initiatives for public good, focusing on quality of life.
Philanthropy: Why do I do it? I would be much better off financially if it
ACCORDING TO ANCIENT GREEK mythology (and modern Wikipedia!) philanthropy, the love of humanity, was a gift from Prometheus. He gave our early, pathetic, cave dwelling forebears fire to symbolise all knowledge, skills, technology, arts, and science; and philanthropy, which was also expressed as 'blind hope' or optimism! The two went well together – with fire, humans could be optimistic; and with optimism, blind hope and a love of humanity they could use fire constructively to improve the human condition. Philanthropy is also a unique cross-over between business (private initiatives for
wasn't for my project the Real Art Roadshow. We take real art to schools around the country. We especially like to concentrate on schools that are geographically isolated, as the ability to get kids off-campus and to shows or events is difficult for many schools. The project is impressive. We have a sexy
big rig that folds out to an large 80sqm gallery. We have filled it with many fine examples of work from leading and emerging New Zealand artists. So why do I do it? Because I see
philanthropy as essential to a well-oiled society. Once a person has meet the basic needs of their family they should be looking at how to spread the joy. I also do it because
"Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness you are able to give"
58 | www.hermagazine.co.nz
the project has allowed me major personal growth and has opened the doors to some interesting opportunities that simply wouldn't have happened without the project. It also allows me to bang-on about my favourite subject: that creativity, in any form, is the basis for all progress. With the Roadshow we use the medium of visual arts to get that message across. Fiona Campbell www.realartroadshow.co.nz Photos courtesy of Real Art Roadshow
Hitting Home
More than 60 years ago, Eleanor Roosevelt was articulating an idea whose time has now come. New Zealanders are generous, responding quickly to the urgent needs of their fellow citizens. Nowhere has this been more evident than in Christchurch in the aftermath of the earthquakes that continue to rock, and in too many cases ruin, people's lives. New Zealanders, both at home and abroad, have given millions of dollars to the various earthquake funds.
