The Tasmanian Artists' Trust Fund had its origin in a special committee formed for the purpose of raising funds to assist violinist Beryl Kimber. She was later followed by Auriel Garratt, Lyall Duke, Lynette Cobern, Maree Ryan and Peter Stephenson. In general the Fund provided financial assistance to enable young artists in any realm of the arts to further their studies outside Tasmania. It received financial grants from the state government and private donations.