Jan Grant: A Legacy of Philanthropy and Connection
Jan Grant's life was defined by philanthropy—driven by compassion, connection, and a deep commitment to fostering community engagement.
As the longtime owner of the famed Malmsbury Bakery, she was a vocal advocate for local issues, often sparking meaningful debate within the township.
The recital space decorated with pieces from Jan's collection.
A passionate music lover and dedicated supporter of young talent, Jan made a lasting impact on the music world through her involvement with the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM). In 2011, she approached ANAM with the idea of building a network of donors to contribute to the living allowances that support musicians. The concept was inspired by a childhood memory of her father’s syndicate-funded thoroughbred horses—where collective contributions made great achievements possible.
Jan hosted recitals at Cygnet, her Neoclassical residence in Lauriston, rural Victoria. Inspired by the grandeur of English stately homes, Cygnet housed dedicated recital rooms of elegant proportion. Intimacy was central to Jan’s vision—she carefully curated paintings and furniture to create a space that celebrated beauty and comfort.
ROGER KEMP (1908-1987), Untitled
This collection highlights two large paintings by Roger Kemp, whose visionary abstract paintings aimed to illuminate that which was not visible. His rich and lyrical fractal compositions, featuring shades of deep violet, lilac, and purple, resonate with rhythmic harmony. Kemp's evocative paintings provided an opportunity for deep reflection in the beautifully curated space that Jan created for the emerging musicians who performed there. Another work of note includes an early painting by Fred Williams bearing the provenance of Katherine Hattam, wife of artist Hal Hattam. The couple is credited as the first private collectors to embrace the art of Fred Williams from 1958 onwards. The lounging figure, hovering between reading and dozing, exudes a sense of comfort and leisure, relaxing in the garden. At the same time, a dog sits poised in the foreground, regaled by the lush garden surroundings. The palette is characteristic of the artist's earlier work, the generous brushstrokes layering complementary aubergines and autumnal colours emitting a sense of warmth and tranquillity. These artworks were selected with great care and attention, as it was important to Jan that the young performers felt welcomed and uplifted in her sanctuary devoted to musical excellence.
An entrance way decorated with pieces from Jan's collection, including the Rodger Kemps.
What began as a financial assistance program soon evolved into a genuine community, fostering deep connections between musicians and benefactors. Known for her mischievous spirit and straight-talking nature, Jan had an innate ability to bring people together, breaking down social barriers and forging lasting friendships beyond the ANAM program. She once reflected: “We formed friendships with musicians and other donors, which have added so much to all our lives. I am a very proud donor to this program. As a senior person, I realise the value of these young people who are dedicated to creating something beautiful and to being as excellent as they can. Watching musicians grow personally and professionally at ANAM is joyous. I follow their careers with pride. They will always have a place at my table.”1
Jan’s reverence for music and beauty lives on—not only in the objects she collected but, more importantly, in the enduring connections she fostered. In recognition of her extraordinary generosity, the Board of ANAM has named the new musicians’ lounge in the renovated South Melbourne Town Hall the Jan Grant Musicians’ Lounge—a space that will continue to support and inspire generations of musicians to come, ensuring that her legacy remains vibrant and influential.
- Sarah Garrecht
View the Jan Grant Collection.
1, Jan Grant, ANAM Impact of Philanthropy Report 2023, p.16