Artists Futures Fund joins national #ArtsForImpact campaign to expand opportunities for emerging artists
Through the Big Give #ArtsForImpact campaign, Artists Futures Fund will raise £7,000 in one week, with every donation doubled to support its Equitable Futures: Emerging Artists Showcase.
Supporters can donate between 17–24 March, with all donations doubled during the campaign period.
Artists Futures Fund (AFF) is proud to be taking part in this year’s Arts for Impact campaign led by Big Give, raising funds to support its Equitable Futures: Emerging Artists Showcase.
Running from 17–24 March, the campaign uses Big Give’s match funding model, meaning every donation made during the campaign will be doubled through the Central Match Fund.
The Equitable Futures showcase presents powerful new work by emerging visual artists facing socio-economic, mental or physical health barriers to building sustainable futures in the creative industries. The initiative provides artists with a fully supported professional opportunity, including curatorial guidance, high-quality exhibition production, and access to networks that help develop long-term pathways in the arts.
Emerging artists from disadvantaged backgrounds continue to face significant structural barriers in the UK cultural sector. Research indicates that only 8% of UK artists come from working-class or low-income backgrounds, while 29% receive no career support and 59% rely on informal networks to access opportunities. High-quality exhibitions often depend on unpaid labour and favour those with financial resources or existing connections, reinforcing cycles of exclusion.
Through its Fellowship programme and showcase, Artists Futures Fund aims to break this cycle by providing equitable opportunities for talented artists to present their work to national and international audiences. Alongside the exhibition, a public panel discussion will explore the challenges of sustaining creative careers and highlight more inclusive approaches to supporting artists.
“Our Arts for Impact campaign helps cultural organisations grow their impact through the power of match funding. By doubling donations, supporters can back organisations like Artists Futures Fund that are opening doors for emerging artists and helping shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for the arts. We’re proud to support their work as part of this campaign.”
— Big Give
"The Arts for Impact campaign is a powerful demonstration of how strategic philanthropy can drive real social change through culture. By supporting organisations like Artists Futures Fund, we can help arts and culture reach more people, strengthen communities, and create the kind of transformational impact that lasts."
— Figurative Philanthropy for Arts & Culture (FPAC)
“We’re proud to partner with Big Give in the #ArtsForImpact campaign to support our Equitable Futures showcase, opening doors for talented artists who too often face barriers to building sustainable futures in the arts. With match funding doubling every donation, supporters can help expand access, visibility and opportunity across the sector.”
— Director, Artists Futures Fund
Notes to Editors
Artists Futures Fund (AFF)
Artists Futures Fund supports emerging visual artists facing socio-economic, mental and physical health barriers to building sustainable futures. Through fellowships, exhibitions and professional development opportunities, AFF works to expand access, visibility and opportunity in the arts while strengthening pathways for diverse talent.
Big Give – Arts for Impact Campaign
The Arts for Impact campaign, run by Big Give, supports arts and culture charities across the UK through a match funding model that doubles public donations for a limited campaign period.
Figurative Philanthropy for Arts & Culture (FPAC)
FPAC is an initiative focused on researching and developing ways to attract new philanthropy into the arts & culture sector.