This week, the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts launches. In this blog, we highlight how socially engaged arts are driving social change across Europe, and how our alliance aims to accelerate and amplify that impact.
The arts are more than a form of expression; they’re a driving force for change. Imagine circus arts helping young people in a detention centre develop self-expression and discover a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. Think of classical music transforming a school in an underprivileged neighbourhood, equipping children with lifelong skills while building pride and community connections. Or consider a new opera, co-created with communities at risk of exclusion to take their own stories to the main stage and challenge societal perceptions. This is the power of what we call socially engaged arts, flourishing across Europe.
Socially engaged arts bring artists and communities together to collaborate and address social, political, and cultural issues through art. Serving as a bridge, they connect people from all walks of life to address the issues that matter most to those communities. Rooted in co-creation and participation, these creative practices foster dialogue, change perspectives, and spark positive social change through art, paving the way towards a more equitable and connected future.
This isn’t something new. The history of socially engaged arts in Europe is a long, powerful tapestry of creativity and activism. From the reformist movements of the 19th century to the bold, political art of the post-war period, artists have long used their craft to challenge the status quo and provide society with creative tools and connections to inspire positive change.
Today, across Europe, socially engaged arts organisations are continuing this legacy. They are taking up the mantle, addressing the toughest issues of our time from climate change to the erosion of democracy through art. But despite their impact, these organisations often struggle for recognition and support. They fight against the tides of limited and complex funding structures, undervalued amongst policy, and a world that grows more complex by the day – making it harder for them to achieve their full potential.
It’s more important than ever to support these organisations to do what they do best. They have the power to build more inclusive, connected societies across Europe — a Europe where art doesn’t just reflect the world, but helps to shape it.
Introducing the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts
Launched in January 2025, the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts aims to do just this. The Alliance brings together 11 of Europe’s leading philanthropic funders with a shared mission: to connect and elevate visionary leaders and organisations in socially engaged arts across Europe, transforming public and policy awareness, and securing vital recognition and funding to accelerate their impact. The Alliance is hosted by the Network of European Foundations (NEF).
The foundation partners involved are:
- Allianz Foundation
- Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
- Cariplo Foundation
- Fondazione 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
We envision a future where community engagement and creative collaboration are recognised as drivers of excellence and impact in the arts sector—a future where the arts are celebrated as catalysts for social progress. As our Alliance grows and our work evolves over the coming months and years, we hope to rewrite the story of how socially engaged arts can shape our collective future, ensuring that their impact reaches further and deeper than ever before.
(Image caption: Representatives of the 11 philanthropic foundations of the Alliance, hosted by Network of European Foundatioms and chaired by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation)
Empowering Visionary Leaders: The Fellowship Programme
Central to our mission is our Fellowship, which officially opens for applications today. This transformative programme is designed to amplify the impact of socially engaged arts by investing in visionary leaders of arts organisations.
The Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for up to 15 leaders working across diverse artistic disciplines and social issues. Through a mix of opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and capacity-building support, Fellows will strengthen the impact and structures of their organisations, accelerate their professional growth, and drive impactful advocacy efforts alongside other participants.
For us, the Fellowship isn’t just about individual growth — it’s about collective impact. Fellows will work together to overcome shared challenges, exchange ideas, and create a ripple effect that strengthens the socially engaged arts field across Europe.
Here’s a taster of what the programme includes:
- A €60,000 grant for organisational development and tackling existing challenges
- Online workshops, mentorship, and tailored resources
- Immersive residential experiences, study visits, and exchanges
Applications Now Open
If you’re a leader or practitioner ready to scale your organisation’s impact and shape the future of socially engaged arts, we invite you to apply for the Fellowship.
Applications are open now and will close on Monday 24 February 2025 at 9am CET. To learn more about the programme, our offering, and how to apply, visit the Fellowship page.