CAPO, a unique organisation where business and arts join in raining funds  for local artists, runs an annual cocktail party at which donated works of art are auctioned. Since its establishment in 1983, CAPO has disbursed over $1.8 million dollars through its grants program to more than 300 arts practitioners and organisations.

Last year’s night of nights was staged at M16 Artspace in Griffith and before that for many years the big CAPO night was at the National Archives. Other previous venues have included the NGA and the Convention Centre.

Another change is that the experiment that saw the auction take place in September last year has been abandoned for the more familiar November date. According to Doody: “This move will create an even more sustainable and prestigious event, and will expose the work of the artists involved to an ever broader audience.”

CMAG director, Shane Breynard, agrees, adding: “CAPO’s exhibition and auction is a perfect fit with our role in showcasing and supporting excellence in our region’s visual arts”.

The week-long exhibition will highlight donated artworks and incorporates floor talks from arts professionals to assist buyers in making informed investments.

Board members serve CAPO on a voluntary basis and profits from the annual fundraising event are directed to arts philanthropy through CAPO’s grant program.

The CAPO 30 art exhibition will be held at CMAG from November 15, and the awards night and auction party on Saturday, November 23.

More information and ticket sales at capo.org.au