Arts and cultural experiences help shape and give meaning to our lives. The Foundation supports the development of the arts and culture sector for all Australians, and the delivery of high quality programs that reaffirm Australia as a culturally mature and innovative nation.
A New Approach (ANA) is Australia’s national arts and culture think tank. ANA builds ambitious and innovative policy, legislative, regulatory and investment environment for Australia’s arts, culture and creativity. BFF funding supports this important work.
The National Institute for Dramatic Arts (NIDA) is Australia’s national dramatic arts educator for careers in stage, screen, events and interactive entertainment. Founded in 1958, NIDA graduates continue to make significant contributions to Australian theatre, screen, and creative industries and to present Australian stories.
A BFF scholarship supports students studying Theatre and Stage Management.
The Bowness Photography Prize is a $50,000 acquisitive prize held annually by the Museum of Australian Photography. It is Australia’s richest and one of the most prestigious art prizes, and an important annual survey of contemporary photographic practices in Australia. Established in 2006 by Bill Bowness AO the Prize is an open entry prize and showcases work by emerging and established artists.
Ann Higgins won the Prize in 2025 with ‘Two Horizons’
Former Prize winners can be found here.
The Museum of Australian Photography is the Australian home of photography. Located in Wheelers Hill, it is Australia’s leading public art gallery devoted to the collection and exhibition of photography and engaging local, national and international audiences in arts and cultural experiences. BFF has been a long-term supporter, providing support for exhibitions, international tours, publications, and digitisation of the collection.
PHOTO Australia is a new vision for photography in Australia. Held Biennially, Photo 2024 showcases 100 free exhibitions across Victoria, connecting Australia with the international photography community and galvanising Melbourne’s role as a global hub for photography and visual art. BFF is proud to be a founding and ongoing partner.
Support provided includes the establishment of the Bowness Family Endowment Fund for Photography, which is solely focused on developing and strengthening the NGVs international photography collection. It has enabled the NGV to acquire more than 100 works by leading international and women artists since 2008, contributed to publications, and assisted with digitising the photography collection.
