Professional network launched for early-career cultural fundraisers
Howard Lake | 14 September 2016 | News
Fundraisers in the early stages of their career in the cultural sector now have their own professional network, Young Arts Fundraisers. The group was launched this evening in London at the Science Museum, with support from Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy.
The network has been created following a successful pilot event attended by over 100 arts professionals in January 2016 at the Foundling Museum, London. This was made possible with support from Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy and in partnership with Young People in the Arts and the IoF Cultural Sector Network, itself launched earlier this year.
The professional network has been set up by Fanny Guesdon (Brunswick Arts), Chris Powell (London Symphony Orchestra) and Matthew Ross (University College London).
They aim to:
- establish a peer-to-peer support network enabling cultural sector fundraisers to develop leadership capabilities
- run monthly events including panel discussions and speed-mentoring sessions
- launch a mentoring programme in partnership with the IoF Cultural Sector Network.
Although initially focused on London, the team plans to extend geographically the network to other regions of the UK.
The network’s founders commented:
“So many of us in fundraising work in small teams, sometimes even as lone fundraisers, and need support and advice from senior peers to build our careers. We aim to provide solutions by providing mentoring, networking and knowledge transfer opportunities to help our peers prepare for middle and senior management positions. Ultimately, we hope our work will enhance the quality and impact of fundraising across the cultural sector.”
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The launch event included a speed-mentoring session, enabling attendees to engage with senior practitioners about their career development. The mentors were:
- Claire Gylphé, Head of Philanthropy, Natural History Museum;
- Samir Savant, Director, Handel Music Festival;
- Sue Hind Woodward, Fundraising Consultant, Artemis Coaching.
Martin Kaufman, Chair of the IoF Cultural Sector Network said:
“The IoF Cultural Sector Network is really pleased to join in partnership with the new Young Arts Fundraisers to help grow the expertise and connections of young arts fundraisers, and thereby strengthen the whole sector. We are all facing tough times financially, and it is really important that young and keen fundraisers are encouraged and supported in those crucial early years. This is an important part of building a healthy arts sector that will transform the lives of all sectors of society. We wish them well and look forward to working with them.”
The committee
The YAF committee members are:
- Alexandra Davis, Development Manager, London Library
- Anne Meriaux, Administrator Major Gifts, Tate
- Bobette Kenge, Development Coordinator, Sadler’s Wells
- Leah Swain, Development Manager, Art Angel
- Lydia Brightling-Reed, Development Coordinator, Serious Events Ltd
- Nick Watts, Development Officer, Victoria & Albert Museum
- Simon Frais, Development Coordinator, National Youth Orchestra
- Stephanie Gaillard, Development Operations Assistant, National Gallery
- Read Alexandra Davis’ thoughts on Young Arts Fundraisers: a new generation of cultural sector fundraisers
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.