Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts

Connecting and elevating Socially Engaged Arts across Europe

The Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts together some of Europe’s leading arts philanthropic foundations, uniting resources to support and amplify the impact of socially engaged arts. The Alliance fosters collaboration, providing a collective voice to ensure socially engaged arts thrive across Europe.

The Alliance is a partnership between 11 philanthropic foundations, chaired by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, working towards a shared vision: a Europe where community engagement and creative collaboration are central to the arts sector, driving meaningful social progress.

By investing in the next generation of arts leaders, the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts is committed to shaping a fairer, more inclusive, and creatively bold Europe.

Challenge

Arts and culture are a powerful force for positive change, with the ability to shift perspectives, promote inclusivity and inspire action. Across Europe, arts organisations are harnessing this power to address pressing societal issues, stepping up as active social convenors to build fairer, more resilient communities. Yet too often, these organisations are undervalued in increasingly challenging environments, receiving insufficient recognition in policy and funding. These complex conditions stifle their power to drive societal impact and to shape a more creative and connected Europe.

Vision and Mission

Socially engaged arts are celebrated for their creative power and ability to drive social change, with widespread recognition and support across Europe.

We exist 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.

Fellowship Programme

The Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts Fellowship is a pioneering programme designed to empower visionary leaders of arts organisations committed to community engagement and social change. This transformative 18-month initiative, running from June 2025 to December 2026, will support up to 15 innovative leaders of arts organisations across Europe with organisational development grants of €60,000 each, alongside access to a dynamic programme of online workshops, immersive residencies, educational visits, and peer exchanges.

The Fellowship provides a space for leaders to strengthen their organisations, enhance professional development, and drive impactful advocacy efforts. Each Fellow will develop a ‘leading question’ – a key challenge or opportunity within their organisation or community – guiding them through an interconnected journey of learning and collaboration.

The programme is developed in partnership with Culture Action Europe, the Fitzcarraldo Foundation, and The Audience Agency, renowned for their expertise in capacity building and arts sector development.

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