As a not-for-profit organisation, RISING relies on support from donors, public partners and corporate organisations to help fund ambitious art and reach new audiences.

With their support, we can offer free experiences, keep our ticket prices accessible, and have a positive impact on artists, audiences, and our city.

Funding makes it possible for us to amplify voices in our community. We do this by commissioning thoughtful and challenging work, and creating pathways and infrastructure for artists to scale up their practice and mount work at a major festival.

Q. What due diligence does RISING undertake with its partners?
A. All funding partners undergo a due diligence review of publicly available information on the prospective partner’s environmental social and governance activity to ensure they’re aligned with RISING and if applicable, the artist or program item the partnership is associated with. Any support received must also align with RISING’s Fundraising Policy, as well RISING’s pledge for Fossil Free Sponsorship in partnership with 350 Australia. We also use external resources like the United Nations Digital Library to further research any prospective funding partners. RISING and its Board remain committed to the Fundraising Policy and will use this to guide all future prospective partnerships.

Q. Do RISING’s funding partners influence curatorial decisions of the festival?
A. Curatorial decisions at RISING are made by its professional curators. No external party has influence over RISING’s curators or their curatorial decisions, and any partner contribution—in-kind, financial or otherwise—that aims to restrict or impede the work of RISING, its curators or artists in the program is rejected.

Got questions about RISING and how its funded? Please get in touch via feedback@rising.melbourne.

Become a partner

Is your brand interested in being part of RISING? Reach out to our Sponsorship team at darby@aeroplaneagency.com.

A tailored partnership can be developed based on key objectives, touchpoints, and budget. From presenting a major district through to activating in one of Melbourne’s unique and unconventional spaces—anything is possible.

Our 2024 partners