We invite 30 people who love the arts to contribute each year for three years, to help three arts organisations and others in the years to come.

We will ask each member of The Circle for an annual $1000 donation, to be divided as follows:

• $500 (non-tax-deductible) to the Room to Create giving account for a selected arts organisation
• $500 (tax deductible) to the Room to Create fund

Both of these are sub-funds of the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation. The Circle aims to raise $15,000 a year to benefit the arts immediately, and $15,000 to build the fund.

How to donate

Donations are managed through the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation. You must make two separate $500 donations. This will support a range of eligible recipients, including registered charities that do not have DGR status.

To make a donation:

1. click on the Donate now button
2. scroll down the campaign menu and select Room to Create (tax-deductible donation) Campaign to make your first $500 payment
3. complete the details
4. submit
5. return to the donation page and choose the Room to Create (non-tax-deductible donation) Campaign to make your second $500 payment.

You will receive one receipt for each $500 donation.

You can choose to contribute monthly to the Circle by selecting monthly from the frequency menu.

You can also contact Arts and Cultural Services on 9205 5212 to make your donation.

Help these arts organisations

Year 1: Cecil Street Studio

Cecil Street Studio is Melbourne's home for independent improvisation and movement practices. Currently managed by Cecil's Moving Body Inc., and now in its 14th year, Cecil Street Studio has a vibrant community and history.

How can The Circle help us?

Our wish list is to paint the studio, buy new curtains and get help with paying our rent. A donation of $15,000 would allow us to achieve all of that and allow us to keep our class and workshop fees low.

Year 2: SEVENTH Gallery

SEVENTH Gallery is a non-profit exhibition and studio space run by a board of artists and arts professionals. Located on Gertrude Street, SEVENTH has been a key part of the Fitzroy and Melbourne arts community since 2001. It's also one of the last surviving artist-run-initiatives in the area.

How can The Circle help us?

We don't think our current situation is sustainable in the long term. A donation of $15,000 would help us pay our rent and free up some funds so we can find new ways to become more sustainable.

Year 3: Schoolhouse Studios

Schoolhouse Studios is a not-for-profit arts organisation based in Melbourne. We exist to provide affordable workspaces for emerging artists and creative businesses in inner-Melbourne. This improves opportunities for artistic and professional development, and community engagement.

How can The Circle help us?

A donation of $15,000 would provide free studio space to three artists for one year, or a subsidised rate for six artists for one year. Artists who can't afford our standard rate will have access to a studio space and become a part of the Schoolhouse community.

Donors

Thank you to following people and organisations who have generously donated to the The Circle:

• Arch Staver
• Sue Ball
• The Melbourne Contact Improvisation Jam
• Dr Jonathan Hartley
• South of Johnston
• Kim Swinson