Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo has joined a new alliance of eleven European philanthropic foundations, all dedicated to enhancing the role of socially engaged arts. Presented in Lisbon today, the Alliance unveiled one of its major initiatives: the launch of a European fellowship programme designed to support the leaders of member organisations.
Socially engaged arts serve as a powerful tool for inspiring change, strengthening communities and developing innovative solutions to some of the most urgent social challenges.
This shared vision has led to the creation of the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts (ASEA), an initiative that unites eleven European philanthropic foundations. The Alliance was officially presented yesterday in Lisbon during a dedicated event, as part of the ongoing collaborations with Philea – Philanthropy Europe Association.
The alliance, sighed on behalf of Italy by Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, Fondazione Cariplo and Fondazione Moleskine*, seeks to amplify the transformative power of the arts in promiting a more equitable, inclusive and resilient Europe, while supporting Socially Engaged Artistic Organisations (SEAOs).
This commitment was clearly expressed during the Šibenik 2023 Annual Forum, where the member foundations – each deeply involved in the cultural sector – identified two key challenges. First, there is a need to raise the visibility and recognition of cultural organisations that drive positive social change across Europe. Second, there is an opportunity to amplify the impact of local activities through collaborative and coordinated initiatives at the European level.
An international survey conducted among the beneficiary organizations revealed shared needs, including not only a demand for increased financial support but also a desire to bolster the credibility of these organisations. Additionally, the need to foster exchanges of knowledge, support innovation and develop advocacy and policy influencing skills for leaders and SEAOs has been identified.
In line with this collaborative vision, during the event held today in Lisbon, the Alliance announced the launch if its first fellowship. This 18-month programme aims to support up to 15 visionary leaders of arts organisations focused on community activation and promoting social change across Europe.
Developed in collaboration with Culture Action Europe, Fondazione Fitzcarraldo and The Audience Agency, the Fellowship will provide each fellow and their organisation with a € 60,000 grant, along with access to online workshops, mentorship, immersive residential experiences, study visits and exchange opportunities.
The initiative has a dual objective: to create a collaborative space that strengthens the action and impact of socially engaged arts organizations, while also fostering the professional development of participants and supporting them in implementing impactful advocacy initiatives at the European level.
Applications for the fellowship are open until 24 February 2025. For further information go to www.allianceforsociallyengagedarts.org.
Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo joins the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts with the belief that the arts can drive social change, cohesion and innovation. Through this alliance, the Foundation reaffirms its commitment to promoting projects that strengthen communities, nurture creativity and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive Europe.
*In addition to the Italian Fondazione Cariplo, Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo and Fondazione Moleskine, the Alliance includes the following foundations: Calouste Gulbenkian (Portugal), la Caixa (Spain), King Baudouin Foundation (Belgium), European Cultural Foundation (Netherlands), Allianz Foundation (Germany), Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation (France), Hilti Foundation (Liechtenstein) and Stiftung Mercator Schweiz (Switzerland).