Artists Futures Fund, an independent charity founded in 1810, is proud to announce a new era in its mission to offer transformative support for contemporary artists. Formerly known as the Artists’ Benevolent Fund, the charity has adopted a new working name and visual identity that reflect its dynamic and inclusive approach to supporting artists who face barriers to pursuing creative careers. The charity’s updated name, mission, and five-year strategic plan emphasise its unwavering commitment to nurturing diverse talent and fostering artistic development.
The arts sector is imperilled by deep public funding cuts across the UK. Individual artists must confront widespread studio rent increases amidst a cost-of-living crisis. As the organisation enters its third century, the Artists Futures Fund is expanding its efforts to help promising emerging artists overcome a range of pressing economic, social, cultural, and health challenges.
The charity’s annual Fellowship programme, delivered in partnership with Higher Education Institutions and key cultural organisations across the UK offers emerging artists vital financial support, professional development opportunities, and the resources needed to advance their careers as artists and designers. Since 2018, the Fund has awarded over £400,000 to more than 40 emerging artists, helping them pursue sustainable and thriving creative careers.
A Vision for the Future— at the heart of this transformation is a vision to enrich and diversify the UK’s cultural landscape by making artistic careers accessible to a wider pool of individuals. As part of this, the Artists Futures Fund believes that differences — be they economic, social, or cultural — should never prevent talented artists from realising their full potential. In line with the levelling up agenda, the Fund aims to empower emerging artists living in cities across the UK to share their unique perspectives and continue to enrich the broader cultural conversation.
Scaling Up for Greater Impact — in response to sector-wide research on the challenges and inequalities within the visual arts and Higher Education sectors, the charity has set ambitious goals for the next five years to expand and grow its impact. By increasing its grant activities and broadening its partnerships and support network, the Artists Futures Fund plans to provide even more emerging artists with the financial backing, mentoring, and networking opportunities they need to succeed.
Find out more about Artists Futures Fund here on their website.