Overview

As multiple crises have unfolded in recent years, the arts and culture sector has been among the most damaged financially, and its structural fragilities have significantly deteriorated. At the same time, its value to society throughout these crises has been undoubtedly clear.

This second volume of Philea’s research into European philanthropic funding in the field of arts and culture reveals a philanthropic sector that is strongly committed to resourcing artistic and cultural organisations to strengthen their resilience; has a cross-cutting and intersectional tendency in its work; and is clearly open to collaborative and participatory approaches.

This edition of the mapping surveyed 64 foundations from 17 different countries, and includes contributions from several experts in the field.

Key takeaways

1. Throughout the report, the three most cited concerns by funders related to the future of the sector were around the financial distress due to recent inflation and the rise in the cost of living; the post-Covid crisis recovery; and the structural weakness of the cultural sector.
2. European philanthropy is committed to resource and strengthen the resilience of the arts and culture sector strategically.
3. European philanthropic organisations in this area work across sectors and with a diversity of constituents.
4. European philanthropy’s work in arts and culture is participatory and collaborative with the cultural sector and local communities.