Where the money comes from

Putting on an international competition isn’t cheap. Providing meaningful prizes to attract the very best competitors, bringing in two orchestras, recruiting an international jury, renting a theatre for 10 days – all these things add up. Although Hastings International Piano is a registered charity, we receive no statutory funding from the local authority or the Arts Council, so we must raise every penny ourselves.

Almost half our income comes from individual donations and philanthropy, while a further 20% comes in the form of grants from trusts and foundations. Income from ticket sales accounts for only 12%, entry fees from competitors another 9%, and 7% from our loyal patrons. This year we’re lucky to have sponsorship from companies including MYA, Herington’s and Lightning Fibre, but corporate sponsorship is difficult to secure in Hastings and accounts for only 7% of the total. We hope to be able to develop this area in future.

If you’ve been impressed with the standard of the competition this year, please support us in any way you can. Contact our Development Director Sarah Coop for more information about opportunities to get involved with Hastings International Piano.