On Thursday 24 November, the Hellenic Museum Ladies’ Society hosted their 2022 annual Garden Party fundraiser in a triumphant post-pandemic return.
The sold out, flagship charity event saw more than 180 women from Melbourne’s Greek community gather at the Hellenic Museum for an afternoon of food, entertainment and fundraising in support of the Museum’s 2023 program of exhibitions, public events and education initiatives.
CEO & Head of Curation of the Hellenic Museum, Sarah Craig, addressed attendees as the lunch began, speaking to this 2023 program and the bold curatorial direction the Museum has worked to refine in recent years.
“It is no secret that in order for
museums to survive they need to be relevant to their audiences. From addressing
key social issues to transforming how we see the future, museums not only have
the power to reflect our society – and the current issues it faces –
but also to shape it for the future.
“We are in the process of working with artists and institutions to develop new exhibitions, events and education programs that will challenge and delight audiences while creatively interpreting our Hellenic legacy.
“Through these programs, we will examine contemporary issues … Some of these will be challenging, some will be fun, and some will ask people to question the way they view themselves and the world around them.”
Ms Craig also emphasised the important role of women’s networks in sustaining arts and culture, and the Ladies’ Society’s particularly critical role in supporting the Hellenic Museum.
“They say the past may be dead, but history is alive, and it is constructed in the present. Women are the past, the present and the future, and today you have the power to help us shape history – because a woman alone has power, but as women together we have impact.”
The Hellenic Museum Ladies’ Society was founded in 2018 as a fundraising vehicle for the Museum, bringing together culturally engaged women who are committed to raising funds for the Museum to preserve Greek art, history and culture for future generations. As a public, not-for-profit cultural institution, this support is critical for the future of Australia’s only Hellenic Museum.
Queries about the Hellenic Museum Ladies’ Society can be directed to the Hellenic Museum’s Development & Partnerships Manager, Maria Halkias, maria.halkias@hellenic.org.au.
Premier Partner – ANTON Jewellery
Event Partners – Levantine Hill & Rigby Cooke Lawyers
Entertainment Sponsor – GJK Facility Services
For a full list of event supporters, visit the Hellenic Museum website: hellenic.org.au
