The Leaper Foundation pledges $5m to Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne
The Leaper Foundation, spearheaded by Mrs Jenny Leaper OAM and Dr John Leaper OAM, has pledged a transformative gift of $5 million to Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne, Arts Centre Melbourne’s major redevelopment of the Theatres Building (under the iconic Spire).
Karen Quinlan AM, CEO Arts Centre Melbourne:
We are honoured to receive such a generous gift from the Leaper family – one of the most significant philanthropic gifts Arts Centre Melbourne has ever received. Our donors play a pivotal role in the impact and legacy of our work and share our commitment to enriching the lives of our creative industries and the Victorian community.
The Leaper Foundation gift contributes to Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne, which will deliver significant improvements to the Theatres Building, including an expanded Loading Dock, and a new flexible rehearsal space and studio.
Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne will also improve accessibility, by introducing new accessible seating in the State Theatre – including wheelchair positions in the Stalls for the first time – two new Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant lifts and a new accessible Stage Door.
In recognition of their support, The Pavilion – the flagship function space in the Theatres Building under Arts Centre Melbourne’s Spire – will be renamed The Leaper Family Pavilion from 1 January 2025.
Mrs Jenny Leaper OAM and Dr John Leaper OAM:
This beautiful building was developed many years ago, but it’s now time for reinvigoration. If we can contribute to the future, then we’re paying some of the debt to the pioneers who created this space for us. This is our family commitment: to developing the arts through imagination, inspiration and innovation.
It’s this notion that underpins our support for Arts Centre Melbourne, bringing people from all cultural and economic backgrounds to one gathering place under the Spire.
The Leaper family has a long history of supporting Arts Centre Melbourne – particularly its Children and Families program, which provides arts experiences to children and their families, including children living with a disability. The Pavilion space has historically been used for more intimate and accessible Families performances, and the program has grown in scale since the Leapers became major supporters.
Quinlan:
Arts Centre Melbourne is committed to increase activation and participation for children, young people and their families. In 2024 alone, 18,000 visitors have participated in programming supported by the Leaper’s major giving we’re so pleased to be able to create such life-changing experiences for our audiences.
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Photo Credit: Jason Lau
