European foundations launch new initiative for socially engaged arts

A group of European arts foundations have joined forces to create a new initiative to promote the arts as a powerful force for social change.

The Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts hopes to champion the sector with an initial 18-month fellowship programme.

This will offer €60,000 grants, mentorship and training to 15 arts leaders.

Some of Europe’s biggest philanthropic foundations are behind the alliance, including Portugal’s Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Spain’s La Caixa Foundation and Germany’s Allianz Foundation.

Luís Jerónimo, director of sustainability and equity at Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and chair of the Alliance, said: “Socially engaged arts have long been a force for positive social change in Europe. 

“Despite this, socially engaged arts organistations, artists and cultural practitioners remain undervalued.

“They struggle with inadequate funding and unsupportive policy structures, compounded by massive cuts to public funding, which hinders their impact to shape a more creative and connected Europe.”

Jerónimo added that the alliance “will connect socially engaged arts leaders and organisations across borders, expand much-needed support to scale their impact, and create a powerful platform for pan-European advocacy”.

He continued: “Together, we’ll demonstrate that collective action can turn up the volume and deliver lasting, transformative change for communities across the continent.”

The inaugural fellowship is open to applications until 24 February, with those interested encouraged to visit the alliance’s website.