A pioneering alliance of 11 leading European philanthropic foundations, including the King Baudouin Foundation, has been launched to champion the transformative power of socially engaged arts in driving positive social change across Europe. The Alliance for Socially Engaed Arts announced its inaugural fellowship: a 18-month programme will support up to 15 visionary leaders of arts organisations focused on community engagement and social change across Europe. Applications can be submitted until 24 February 2025.
Social impact
Socially engaged arts are vital to realising the EU’s vision of a resilient, cohesive and inclusive society. They strengthen cultural connections and empower communities to find creative solutions for the societal challenges they face, from mental health to climate change. They’re vital for building a fairer and more vibrant Europe.
Fellowship programme
At its launch event, the Alliance 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.
Capacity building
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. 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.
A collective initiative
The Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts brings together 11 of Europe’s leading philanthropic funders to pool their resources, create a unified support network and amplify advocacy efforts to unlock the potential of socially engaged arts in driving social real change.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.