Privately funded by a growing circle of passionate philanthropists and collectors, FUSE has firmly positioned itself as the most prestigious program for artists working in glass in Australia and New Zealand.  Following the launch of the biennial FUSE Glass Prize in 2016, it has evolved to an annual offering with the FUSE Glass Artist Residency in the alternate years to the prize. 

Conversations began in 2014 between passionate glass art supporters and collectors Jim and Helen Carreker and JamFactory, following the conclusion of the Ranamok Glass Prize, which shone a light on glass artists from the region for 20 years.

Advocates for private and collective giving, the Carrekers’ steadfast support has been ongoing and they have in turn encouraged a strong and growing circle who share their passion. In 2021, alongside Ian Wall AM (1931-2022) and Pamela Wall OAM, they gifted additional funds to enable significant evolution of the prize with the FUSE Glass Artist Residency, and most recently with the support of Foundation SA, they set up an endowment fund that will ensure this important new residency component will be well supported over the next ten years. With this latest commitment, the Carrekers’ personal philanthropic support of FUSE has become the most significant private support in JamFactory’s history.

In 2023 the prize continues to be predominately funded through private philanthropy and sponsorship with ongoing support from the Carrekers alongside Pamela Wall OAM and Ian Wall AM (1931-2022), David & Dulcie Henshall Foundation, David McKee AO and Pam McKee , Diana Laidlaw AM, Nicholas Linke, Maia Ambegaokar and Joshua Bishop, Sonia Laidlaw and Susan Armitage, 

The David & Dulcie Henshall Foundation have also generously supported the Emerging Artist Category of FUSE through the David Henshall Emerging Artist Prize. The Prize, valued at AU$10,000 is awarded to an emerging artist and includes AU$5000 cash and a professional development opportunity at JamFactory valued at AU$5000. In memory of David Henshall (5/7/1942 – 7/7/2018) 

David’s approach to life was very “hands on”, he was practical, he was a problem solver, with a belief that if you give someone the right tools, the right training and mentoring, you give them an opportunity to better themselves. David was a keen social but also fiercely competitive Sailor; Professionally he was an entrepreneurial Design Engineer and SA manufacturer. He saw the importance in fostering creative minds and nurturing talent. He marvelled at the opportunities and skills taught within the Glass department at JamFactory.