Australian Casino Mogul Gives $56-Million for Sydney Arts
November 12, 2013 | Read Time: 1 minute
Australian gaming magnate James Packer announced a $56.2-million gift to create a fund for Sydney-area arts and culture groups, one day after regional leaders approved his plans for a billion-dollar casino and resort in the city, The Daily Telegraph and The Sydney Morning Herald report.
The Sydney Arts Fund will dispense funds to the Sydney Theatre Company, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and other culture and performance groups over 10 years, starting in 2014. Half the money will come from Mr. Packer’s family and half from his Crown Resorts Foundation as part of the casino’s corporate social responsibility efforts.
Mr. Packer said the donation was a thank-you to the Sydney region after the New South Wales government gave final approval Monday for his Barangaroo hotel and casino project at Sydney’s harbor.
