'Pioneering alliance for socially engaged art to address Europe's most pressing challenges'.

Launching a new alliance: The Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts, a pioneering partnership of 11 leading European philanthropic foundations, launches this week to promote the power of socially engaged arts in driving meaningful social change across the continent.

Progress in Europe

Socially engaged arts are vital to realise the EU's vision of a resilient, cohesive and inclusive society. They strengthen cultural ties and enable communities to find creative solutions to the societal challenges they face, from mental health to climate change. They are vital for building a fairer and more vibrant Europe.

Unlocking the potential of art and creativity

The Alliance aims to counter the undervaluation of socially engaged art by changing the narrative, advocating for more funding and promoting policy structures that allow this vital work to flourish. Through European advocacy and a new fellowship programme, it seeks to empower socially engaged arts leaders across Europe.

Lisbon, Portugal, 23 January 2025

A pioneering alliance of 11 leading European philanthropic foundations was launched today to champion the transformative power of socially engaged art in driving positive social change across Europe.

The Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts brings together 11 of Europe's leading philanthropic funders to pool their resources, create a unified support network and strengthen advocacy efforts to unlock the potential of socially engaged arts in driving real social change.

The partners involved are: Allianz Foundation, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Cariplo Foundation, Compagnia di San Paolo, Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation, European Cultural Foundation, Hilti Foundation, King Baudouin Foundation, La Caixa Foundation, Moleskine Foundation and Stiftung Mercator Schweiz.

This powerful initiative aims to provide essential support and a collective voice so that socially engaged art can flourish. Socially engaged art brings artists and communities together to address pressing social, political and cultural challenges through art. By putting communities and their needs at the centre of artistic processes, these arts can empower individuals, promote dialogue and change social perceptions, and ultimately spur action on the critical issues facing these communities.

Luís Jerónimo, director of Sustainability and Equality at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and president of the Alliance, said, "Socially engaged art has long been a force for positive social change in Europe. Despite this, socially engaged arts organisations, artists and cultural practitioners remain undervalued. They struggle with inadequate funding and unsupportive policy structures, compounded by massive cuts in public funding, hindering their impact to shape a more creative and connected Europe."

Recent reports from the arts and culture sector reflect this. Countries like Germany, France and the UK prove this worrying trend. These budget cuts, combined with the ongoing attack on specific support for socially engaged arts - already underfunded - have put further pressure on many organisations, leaving them without the necessary resources.

Often misunderstood by people who see that social impact as separate from artistic value, these practitioners are further isolated in a fractured sector, With incredible work happening in studios across the continent.

"This is why 11 of Europe's largest philanthropic funders are joining forces to change this. The Alliance will connect socially engaged arts leaders and organisations across borders, extend much-needed support to increase their impact and create a powerful platform for pan-European advocacy. Together, we will show that collective action can increase volume and deliver lasting, transformative change for communities across the continent," Jerónimo added.

At the launch event in Lisbon on 23 January, the Alliance also announced its first fellowship. This 18-month programme will support up to 15 visionary leaders of arts organisations focusing on community engagement and social change across Europe.

Each fellow and their organisation will receive

• A €60,000 scholarship,
• Online workshops, mentoring and support to increase impact,
• immersive residential experiences, study visits and exchanges.

The fellowship is the result of a collaboration with Culture Action Europe, Fitzcarraldo Foundation and The Audience Agency, experts in capacity building and advocacy in the arts sector. Anne Torreggiani, CEO of The Audience Agency, said on behalf of the partnership with Culture Action Europe and Fitzcarraldo Foundation: "Through the Fellowship, we work with visionary leaders and organisations at the forefront of socially engaged arts in Europe to take their work to the next level. engaged arts across Europe to take their work to the next level. This programme is a collaborative and supportive environment where leaders can grow, overcome challenges, share knowledge and create real, lasting change. By supporting their development, our three organisations are proud to help shape a fairer, more inclusive and boldly creative Europe."

Applications are open from 23 January to 24 February. To apply, go to
https://allianceforsociallyengagedarts.org/