His associations read as a roll-call of some of Dunedin's most recognisable creative institutions, and they were cemented even as he pursued a successful and often high-profile career as a property developer and investor.
Speaking just after a flight from France, Mr Dallimore (62) said the title recognised his supreme good fortune to have been able to use some of what he had learned in business to help develop his and others' love for the arts.
"There is an old adage: if you want something done, ask a busy man to do it," Mr Dallimore joked as he reflected on his achievements of the last 30 years.
"But I have been very lucky to have been able to be so involved in something that has been a passion, more than anything, and for that I am very grateful."
Mr Dallimore has been heavily involved in the arts in the city since he moved from Napier in the late 1970s.
He was soon a trustee and later president of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery Trust, and chairman of the public appeal to build the new gallery in the Octagon.
The property developer who became known for his preservation of heritage buildings was a founding trustee of the Creative Arts Trust in 1986, the same year he became chairman of the Fortune Theatre's management and fundraising committees.
He was also a major sponsor of the theatre for 20 years, and a sponsor of the Dunedin Sinfonia.
Mr Dallimore said he was thrilled to have been able to channel some of his business drive to further the aims of so many organisations, but that his 12-year association with the Otago Festival of the Arts continued to bring great pleasure.
He was a founding trustee, has headed sponsorship campaigns for six festivals, and has been trust chairman since 2003 - continuing even after moving to Christchurch in 2001.
Until recently, he was on the Christchurch Art Gallery Trust.
Mr Dallimore confirmed he would step down as chairman after the October festival.
However, he would continue to lobby for tax incentives to encourage more businesses and benefactors to support the "always the underdog" arts .
