# Platform to connect funders with artists launches - Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2023/11/20/platform-to-connect-funders-with-artists-launches/ - Published: 2023-11-20T09:00:00+00:00 - Author: Melanie May **The International Body of Art (IBA), which helps underrepresented artists launch their careers through its public exhibitions programme, has launched a platform to enable funders to sponsor and connect with emerging artists.** It follows research from the IBA that shows that 26% of artists have had to abandon their careers in the arts due to limited financial prospects, and 29% of ethnic minority artists have seen their white peers’ careers progress further than theirs. The research also found that 35% of ethnic minority artists have had to abandon a career in the arts due to having limited financial backing. The platform is called ‘[Projects](https://42bruton.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=65447061b8bbf30ede96aa03a&id=786d0c8501&e=05a023992chttps://iba.art/collections/all)‘, and to contribute to a project there are various options of different values, ranging from £5 to £1100. With each contribution, there are different ‘rewards’. These can range from a signed ‘thank you’ note, to private premier invitations, 1-on-1 Q&A calls, or even an extended meditation session with an artist. ## Advertisement The rewards have been created by the artists themselves, with each one tailored to their project. ‘Projects’ aims to allow early-stage art collectors to connect with promising emerging artists to break down the barriers to entry for both artists and art enthusiasts.  April Kelly, IBA’s project manager said: > “In our artist support and exhibition curation, we always ensured that artists > felt that they could be experimental, that they could take risks, and that they > could be supported in creating honest, passionate, and personal works. After an > early exhibition, we experienced artists thanking us for giving them this freedom– > it was then that we realised how profound the problems of the art world are. >   > “Its rigidity does not simply affect access, but it continues to dictate from > within the work of artists. The traditional market almost forces artists to keep > making the same works that are instantly sellable and recognisable, so it doesn’t > actually allow any room for innovation. That’s what we want to be here for.” ![Screenshot of the International Body of Art's new Projects platform which connects funders with emerging artists](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.cloud/2023/11/Screenshot- 2023-11-20-at-06.56.13.png) Projects IBA CEO Maria Artool commented:  > “What truly sets IBA’s Projects platform apart is its focus on community. It’s > not just about funding projects for the sake of it; it’s about becoming part of > an extraordinarily diverse, open-minded, international, and innovative community > that thinks outside the box and challenges barriers. >   > “While individual projects offer their own set of rewards that align with their > artistic goals, the platform as a whole provides a space for art lovers and enthusiasts > to actively shape the future of the art world. By selecting which projects should > receive funding and be brought to life, backers are invited to play a unique role > in defining the future of art. They become an integral part of the artistic process, > which is a structure that is the first of its kind in the industry.” * **[Fundraising art trails for this Spring & Summer](https://fundraising.co.uk/2024/04/16/fundraising-art-trails-for-this-spring-summer/)**( 16 April 2024) * **[Report reveals how trusts & foundations supported arts & cultural sector during pandemic](https://fundraising.co.uk/2024/09/13/report-reveals-how-trusts-foundations-supported-arts-cultural-sector-during-pandemic/)**( 13 September 2024) * **[Artist donates Field of Light installation to raise funds for RNLI](https://fundraising.co.uk/2024/09/19/artist-donates-field-of-light-installation-to-raise-funds-for-rnli/)**( 19 September 2024)