The cultural sector - arts, digital and museums - are one of the UK’s strengths. Our high growth creative industries are often built on talent nurtured in the subsidised sector; arts organisations and museums support wellbeing and education in many disadvantaged communities across the country; and record numbers of overseas visitors are coming to our landmark cultural institutions.

But with traditional grant funding streams under pressure and a new generation of creative entrepreneurs wanting to combine great art with social impact, how can investors make a difference and what are the risks in the new cultural business models that are developing? Can they really deliver long term sustainability for culture and a return on investment?

We will be discussing the risk appetite of the cultural sector for new investment models, the opportunities for revenue generation from loans, social impact bonds and equity investment and what the potential long term impacts of moving to these models might be for our theatres, museums and galleries.

What needs to be done to create investment ready organisations or projects? What kind of social impact will corporate investors expect from the arts and culture?  Is it a space for individual investors, will it affect philanthropic giving, and how can those investors bring their knowledge and expertise to the table, as well as their cash?

Chair: Neil Mendoza, Chair of The Landmark Trust, Commissioner of Historic England & non-exec on the board of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport

Interview: Sir Peter Bazalgette, Chair of Arts Council England interviewed by Penny Lovell, Close Brothers Asset Management

Speakers: Jim Beirne, CEO, Live Theatre in Newcastle; Tim Joss, CEO, Aesop

Download the event flyer (PDF).

This event is produced in partnership with Arts Council England.

Philanthropy Impact would like to thank Close Brothers Asset Management for generously hosting this roundtable.