About Figurative
We believe in the potential of cultural and creative organisations to benefit society, and we connect them with the funds, resources and networks 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.
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.
Figurative launched as an independent not-for-profit last September, spinning out of Nesta with a bold mission: to revolutionise arts funding and build financial resilience across the cultural and creative sector.
Blog
In Autumn 2024, Figurative launched as an independent not-for-profit, spinning out of Nesta with a bold mission: to revolutionise arts funding and build financial resilience across the cultural and creative sector. Here our CEO, Fran Sanderson, brings a personal reflection to the journey as she contemplates learning to embrace discomfort.
Blog
Figurative has published ‘Setting the Stage’, a comprehensive guide to creating impact investment initiatives in the cultural and creative sectors, drawing on a decade of pioneering experience in this field. This blog explores why traditional funding models are no longer sufficient and how impact investment can provide cultural organisations with the patient capital they need.
Figurative is delighted to announce we have been officially registered as an independent charity by Charity Commission for England and Wales.
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.
Research Resource
An interactive map showing the extent of Figurative’s work and impact across the UK in supporting the cultural and creative sector through our impact investment and philanthropy development work.
Publication Tools & Templates
Setting the Stage is a comprehensive roadmap for establishing primarily debt focused impact investment funds and initiatives in the CCS. Download the report below.
Publication Tools & Templates
The Collaboration Canvas – produced with Eastside People – a strategic consultancy for not-for-profits – is a practical collaboration toolkit designed specifically for cultural and creative sector organisations in the UK.
Webinar
A practical webinar exploring the use of AI in the creative and cultural sector and the funding opportunities available. Presentation, discussion and Q&A with representatives from ACE, Innovate UK Business Connect and Jesse James Agency.
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.