About Figurative
We believe in the potential of cultural and creative organisations to benefit society, and we connect them with the people, funds and resources they need to succeed.
Our Vision
We want to see a thriving, inspiring cultural and creative sector generating far-reaching social and economic impact.
Our People
Our team combines extensive investment experience with deep knowledge and appreciation of art and culture.
Our Impact
We help the cultural and creative sector measure its positive impact and link organisations with responsible funding.
Our Story
We have supported culture and creativity since 2015 with a series of pioneering funding and innovation initiatives.
Arts & Culture Impact Fund
£150,000 – £1,000,000
We’re currently accepting applications for an £18 million social impact investment fund for socially driven arts, culture and heritage organisations registered and operating in the UK.
Arts for Impact Campaign
Applications are now open for the Big Give’s Arts for Impact match funding campaign, in partnership with Figurative/NPAC, which supports UK arts and culture charities working to achieve societal impact. Apply by 18 December 2024.
Our Work
We raise and manage funds, support philanthropy, run programmes and offer research and advisory services tailored to the cultural and creative sector.
Explore our open funds and find out if impact investment is right for your organisation.
Expand your philanthropic networks and local partnership opportunities
Browse our research library exploring how finance, culture and impact intersect.
Latest News & Events
Keep up to date with new announcements and sign up to a range of online and in-person events.
News
The campaign, in partnership with Figurative/NPAC, aims to raise over £3m to support impactful arts and culture charities working to achieve societal impact across the UK.
News
On Thursday 5 September 2024, Figurative launched as an independent organisation with a special event at Village Underground in London.
Blog
We are delighted to have launched as Figurative – a new, independent not-for-profit supporting impact, investment and innovation in the cultural and creative sector. Fran Sanderson, CEO, introduces the organisation.
News
Through the merger, we are bringing together a wealth of experience spanning fundraising and philanthropy, impact investment, innovation, impact leadership and more.
Latest Case Studies
Music Venue Properties used a £1m secured loan to launch a pioneering initiative bringing grassroots music venues into community ownership.
The theatre company trialled a pay-for-success donor programme underpinned by a co-produced impact framework, enabling the expansion of their schools programme.
The historic institution developed new programmes preserving the voice of Holocaust survivors using novel technology.
The organisation will use social investment to develop its online gift shop capacity and to expand its digital audience.
Latest Resources
Explore our funding, business and impact resources along with selected tools and publications from external sources.
Resource
Figurative offers a range of financial and additional support to cultural and creative organisations, but if none of our funds or programmes is right for you, there are other places to turn.
Tools & Templates
For cultural and creative organisations who are new to working with philanthropists, we have drawn together some useful resources in several key areas.
Webinar
Learn about due diligence, what it involves and how cultural and creative organisations can be more empowered to go through this process. Presentation and Q&A with Seva Phillips, of Arts & Culture Finance, and Jay Haigh, of Can’t Sit Still.
Webinar
Learn about the role of social investment and other forms of repayable finance during a time of economic challenges. Panel discussion and Q&A with Marcel Baettig, of Bow Arts Trust, and Steve Mannix, of Colchester’s Mercury Theatre.
Partner With Us
Help us build a thriving cultural and creative sector as a funder, investor or other expert partner.
Image credits:
Lead images: Central School of Ballet, Paris Gardens, photo by Bill Cooper 2018; UD Music presents Flames Collective/ Amaria. Photo by Alexis Maryon; Image © artFix. Photo by Alba Haut. Click on the links to find out more about our work with these organisations.