Once again, Sunshine Coast Arts Foundation (SCAF) is hosting the annual Gifted Campaign with the announcement of a new Gifted Patrons Group.

A tax-deductible gift of $1000 will enable you to nominate an artistic medium or category you are passionate about and would like to support. We’ll endeavour to get proposals from artists in your chosen medium and keep you connected with the progress of the successful artists, including opportunities to meet and discuss their work.

Our first Patron Karen Neuendorf, pictured with her husband Keith at the announcement of Gifted recipients in November 2021, has chosen ceramics as the medium for her Patrons Group gift.

If you or your business are interested in becoming a Gifted Patron please email SCAF’s Executive Officer at  or you can make a tax-deductible donation of any amount HERE. Every donation – big or small – invests in local artists and takes us one step closer to achieving our goal of transforming and enriching the Sunshine Coast region through philanthropic investment in arts and culture.

Karen Neuendorf said the Gifted Patrons Group provided artists with opportunities that instil achievement in their work and encouraged them to feel recognised as professionals.

“Ceramics is my chosen category. Potters are artisans who create beauty, functionality and sheer genius by working through all stages of converting clay into delicate pieces by firing in kilns or raku and respecting all of the science that is part of glazing and resilience.

“Pottery endures through civilisations whilst making a historical notebook of cultures and society. I am thrilled to support a potter who can develop their craft through the Gifted Patron Group and look forward to the announcement of recipients in November,” she said.

In 2022 the Gifted Program invested in seven local artists and projects, which are currently underway.

The first Patrons will be announced in August when we call for proposals from artists and arts organisations. Successful recipients will be announced in November.

Picture: Renae Droop/RDW Photography