Lorenzo the Magnificent and the Medicis. Isabella, Marchesa of Mantua, Peggy Guggenheim. As famous as the artists they supported, these arts patrons were the backers behind some of the world’s greatest artistic endeavours.

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Arts patronage in modern Australia looks very different to Renaissance Italy but it’s no less important.  ABS data reveals the average income for professional artists in this country is between $13,000 and $20,000 a year. Artists (and writers for that matter) generally don’t enter into a creative life to become wealthy. For many artists the choice is between employment that pays the bills but limits their creativity or a life lived under the poverty line, topped up by ad hoc and insecure part-time employment. Grants, prizes and awards bridge the gap.

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In Australia we tend to think supporting the arts is the remit of governments and the very wealthy. That’s not the whole story. The Capital Arts Patrons’ Organisation (CAPO) has been providing support artists in the ACT and surrounding region for 31 years. As a not-for-profit, CAPO is the only ACT organisation outside of government that supports provides a comprehensive level of support.  Artists can apply for annual awards ranging from $500 to $20,000.Quite a fewCanberra businesses support CAPO’s awards, including Urban Pantry, King O’Malley’s, the National Press Club and Fuji Xerox. CAPO has helped more than 350 artists over the last three decades.

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Sometimes the patrons need a little help too.

CAPO hosts an annual exhibition that ends with an auction party to raise money. On the final night of the annual exhibition awards are presented to recipients and artworks are auctioned to the gathered crowd.

Artists from Canberra and around the country donate works of art in support of CAPO. Some received a CAPO Award enabling them early in their career and want to give something back to help other artists. The current holder of CAPO’s Fellowship Award, glass artist Matthew Curtis, has been a long-term supporter of CAPO by donating works for the annual auction. Winning the Fellowship last year gave him the opportunity to collaborate with Tiwi artist Jock Puautjimi. “Without the Fellowship I wouldn’t have been able to take time out from my normal work to travel to the Tiwi Islands to work with Jock,” Matthew says.

“This is my first collaboration and it’s involved building communities and trying techniques that are new to me. I cast the glass plates and Jock etches images inspired by traditional burial ceremonies on to those when they are cold. We’re creating a sculpture piece with a design inside.”

Although it is still in production, Matthew is intending to show this new work at this year’s exhibition, CAPO 31. More than 122 donated artworks will be on show and open to the public at the Canberra Museum and Gallery from 27 September to 5 October, culminating in the auction on Saturday 4 October. Paintings, sculpture and jewellery are all part of the exhibition.

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Without patronage Leonardo da Vinci would never have daubed paint onto board to create the most enigmatic smile in history. With a helping hand the next generation of artists is waiting to inspire us.

The essentials

What: CAPO 31

When: Saturday 27 September to Sunday 5 October 2014

Where: Canberra Museum and Art Gallery, Gallery 2/3

Cost: Free

Highlight:  The Auction Party will be held at the exhibition on Saturday 4 October. Tickets are available online from CAPO.