Figurative Philanthropy for Arts & Culture Hosts First Conference

The event brought together over 80 delegates from around the country to discuss the potential of place-based philanthropy.

There was a real ‘buzz’ in the room at the first ever Figurative Philanthropy for Arts & Culture (FPAC) Conference last week in Birmingham. Our philanthropy team brought together over 80 delegates from around the country to talk all things philanthropy and place.

We heard from inspiring guest speakers including Sir Peter Bazalgette, Sir Vernon Ellis, Professor David Mba, Shanaz Gulzar from Bradford 2025, Jude Kelly CBE, Clare Titley from Arts Council England and Charlotte Steels from Burnley Leisure & Culture and took part in some fascinating round-table discussions.

We’ve spent a long time exploring what motivates philanthropists to donate to the arts, and we frequently find that sector collaborations that promote a common cause to improve a particular geographic place can prove the most productive means of securing new support. It was great to discuss the topic in more detail at the conference, and FPAC team member Michael Garvey has written more on the topic in an accompanying article for Arts Professional.

Below we share some takeaway quotes from the conference guest speakers, along with a selection of photos from the day.

It was brilliant to see connections being forged between delegates, and to feel the excitement of people making links and continuing passionate conversations about the future of philanthropy in the cultural and creative sector.

“Our conviction as artists is what will help us be persuasive when asking for money.” –Jude Kelly CBE

“If you go into a collaboration thinking ‘how can I help?’ not ‘what will I get?’ it’s more likely to be beneficial.” – Sir Vernon Ellis

“Set an unattainable target and tell everyone publicly that you’re going to reach it.” – Sir Peter Bazalgette

“When you have a relationship with philanthropy it can be enduring.” – Jude Kelly CBE

“You’ve got to find the button [when talking to philanthropists] and it’s not the same for everybody.” – Sir Peter Bazalgette

FPAC is responsible for Figurative’s philanthropy development programmes. Our work focuses on researching and developing means of attracting new philanthropy into the arts and culture sector, alongside supporting arts leaders to feel confident seeking philanthropic giving and developing a range of funding sources for their work. You can find out more and connect here.