11 leading European Foundations Launch Pioneering Programme to Support Arts for Social Change and Civic Participation Across Europe

Eleven major European philanthropic foundations, including the King Baudouin Foundation, are joining forces to launch an alliance aimed at promoting socially engaged art. The aim of this initiative is to promote social change and civic participation across Europe. The alliance is launching a first call for fellowship programme to support visionary leaders and organisations at the forefront of this field.

Socially engaged arts contribute to a resilient, inclusive and solidary society, as advocated by the European Union. By creating cultural connections and mobilising the creativity of diverse communities, these arts offer innovative solutions to social issues, such as mental health or the fight against climate change. The alliance aims to amplify the impact and thus contribute to building a more just and dynamic Europe.

This is a collective initiative and unites 11 major European philanthropic foundations. They pool their resources, create a united support network and strengthen advocacy efforts to unlock the transformative potential of socially engaged art.

The foundation partners involved are:

· Allianz Foundation

· Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

· Cariplo Foundation

· Compagnia di San Paolo

· Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation

· European Cultural Foundation

· Hilti Foundation

· King Baudouin Foundation

· La Caixa Foundation

· Moleskine Foundation

· Stiftung Mercator Schweiz

Social impact

This powerful initiative seeks to provide essential backing and a collective voice for socially engaged arts to ﬂourish.
Socially engaged arts bring together artists and communities to address pressing social, political, and cultural challenges through art. By centering communities and their needs in artistic processes, these arts can empower individuals, foster dialogue and shift societal perceptions, ultimately inspiring action on the critical issues those communities face.

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”

Recent reports from the arts and culture sector reﬂect this, with countries like Germany, France, and the UK showing evidence of this concerning trend. These cuts, combined with the ongoing challenge of securing dedicated support for socially engaged arts — already under-resourced — have placed further strain on many organisations, leaving them without the resources needed to thrive. Often misunderstood by those who might view social impact as separate from artistic value, these practitioners are further isolated in a fractured sector, with incredible work happening in silos across the continent.

“That’s why eleven of Europe’s leading philanthropic foundations are joining forces to change this. 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. Together, we’ll demonstrate that collective action can turn up the volume and deliver lasting, transformative change for communities across the continent.” Jerónimo added.

Call for fellowship programme

At its launch event in Lisbon today, 23rd January, the Alliance also announced its inaugural fellowship. This 18-month programme will support up to 15 visionary leaders of arts organisations focused on community engagement and social change across Europe.
Each fellow and their organisation will receive:

· A €60,000 Euro grant,

· online workshops, mentorship and support to scale impact,

· immersive residential experiences, study visits and exchanges.

The fellowship's goal is to provide a collaborative space for socially engaged arts organisations to strengthen their work, enhance individual fellows' professional development, and drive impactful advocacy efforts throughout Europe.
The fellowship is the result of a partnership with Culture Action Europe, Fitzcarraldo Foundation and The Audience Agency, experts in capacity-building and advocacy in the arts sector.

Anne Torreggiani, CEO of the Audience Agency, on behalf of the partnership with Culture Action Europe and Fitzcarraldo Foundation said: "Through the Fellowship, we are working with visionary leaders and organisations at the forefront of socially engaged arts across Europe to take their work to the next level. This programme is a collaborative and supportive environment where leaders can grow, overcome challenges, share knowledge, and drive real, lasting change. By supporting their development, our three organisations are proud to help reimagine and shape a fairer, more inclusive, and boldly creative Europe."

The fellowship is open to applications from 23 January to 24 February, to apply please visit: https://allianceforsociallyengagedarts.org/

About the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts

At the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts, we champion the power of socially engaged arts in driving positive social change across Europe. By connecting and elevating organisations and practitioners, and providing them with essential skills and resources, we’re working towards a Europe where community engagement and creative collaboration sit at the heart of the arts sector, fostering social progress for all. We are an alliance of some of Europe’s leading arts philanthropic foundations and are hosted at the Network of European Foundations.