A partnership project with Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy
To help support the Outdoor Arts sector meet some of the financial challenges in these difficult times, we are pleased to announce that we will be launching a new strand to our annual On the Road programme entitled ‘Funding Forum’ this summer, a partnership project with Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy (AFP), supported through their Networks Funding Programme.
On the Road: Funding Forum will help artists and festivals to explore wider funding opportunities and fundraising strategies beyond usual sources. The programme will be a live, bespoke and reactive series of events at four major outdoor arts festivals: two in the South and two in the North of England.
- Hat Fair in Winchester
- B:D Festival in Bradford
- Greenwich+Docklands International Festival in London
- Freedom Festival in Hull
Funding Forum will be free to attend and tailored around the host festival and their funding model as a case study; it will respond to local interests as well as presenting a national picture of opportunities. With presentations, discussions and advice sessions, programmed in partnership with AFP, each event will be designed to inspire confidence despite the financial challenges that so many are facing.
As each Forum takes place in the context of a festival, the series will also be a great sector networking opportunity alongside the chance to enjoy some excellent Outdoor Arts work. We are looking forward to creating a welcoming and inclusive space with a diverse range of attendees, facilitating a broad discussion on fundraising strategies for everyone regardless of their experience or the scale of their work.
Booking details and dates will follow nearer the time.
Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy
AFP transforms the fundraising knowledge, skills and levels of success of arts organisations. Working with Trustees, CEOs, senior leaders, mid-career and new and emerging talent, AFP empowers cultural professionals to harness the considerable opportunities that fundraising offers and to develop diverse and entrepreneurial practice, building and growing a skilled fundraising workforce.
Festival Partners:
Hat Fair, Winchester (early Jul) This festival is the longest-running outdoor arts festival in the country, with a unique hybrid model of paid artists and ‘hatting’ buskers.
B:D Festival, Bradford (late Jul) This is a new council-initiated festival with a very local artist focus; in the runup to Bradford2025, it is important to contribute to the artist’s future.
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (late Aug) An established festival with a strong concentration of new work and inspirational international visitors, with an important emphasis on diverse work.
Freedom Festival, Hull (early Sep) Founded on the historical significance of William Wilberforce’s contribution to freedom in society, this is a popular and large festival with a huge range of work.
