SHEPPARTON’S work within the arts sector is set to thrive with a new CEO at the helm of the Fairley Foundation.
Vanessa Parry joins The Sir Andrew & Lady Fairley Foundation with more than 20 years’ experience and a strong understanding of both grant making and grant seeking organisations within the philanthropic sector.
While remaining true to the Foundation’s original mandate, to support programs of disadvantage within Greater Shepparton, Ms Parry has been brought on board to grow arts and cultural programs locally. One example of the Foundation’s work within this area is music education delivered in local public schools.
“The benefits of music and dance education are well documented, with this form of learning known to improve emotional wellbeing, language and social skills, cognition, which flows onto literacy and numeracy skills, and more,” said Ms Parry. “It is really critical to engage young people in school to arts education and I hope to grow the music program while supporting and raising funds for other programs.”
Fairley Foundation deputy chair, Carmel Johnson said, “We are delighted to have Vanessa come to us with her vast experience and deep understanding of philanthropy, and knowledge of what foundations and funders can achieve by partnering together.”
