Reimagining Philanthropy: New Models for Private Funding in the Arts
As a platform for meaningful discourse and collaboration on key issues, the TEFAF Summit seeks to drive awareness and promote action in the art world
Overview
This edition of the TEFAF Summit is organized in association with the Netherlands Commission for UNESCO and partner organizations including ICOM Belgium Flanders. The Summit is graciously supported by TEFAF’s Global Lead Partner, AXA XL.
The 2025 edition explores the challenges related to the lack of public funding in recent years and how philanthropy and new models of private funding could benefit the non-profit fine arts sector in Europe, the role of private funding in supporting institutions and museums, and the ways philanthropic partnerships can benefit non-profits, communities, and artists. Additionally, discussions will cover how blending private and public funding sources can maximize impact and foster collaboration.
9:00AM — 9:20AM
Introductions
9:25AM — 10:10AM
Panel 1: Why Should Funders Invest in the Arts?
Amidst reduced government funding, incentivizing private donors to support the public cultural sector becomes crucial. Developing new philanthropic models to attract new philanthropy into the arts and culture sector is essential. Understanding the expected returns by donors and how they differ for the new generations is important. Arts and cultural stakeholders need to adapt, potentially by developing social impact measurement metrics.
10:15AM — 11:00AM
Panel 2: Funding the Public Space: How do Museums Blend Public and Private Funding?
This discussion delves into the complexities of museum funding and how museums can achieve financial stability amid challenges surrounding public funding for institutions. It examines potential drawbacks of private funding, including concerns about artistic integrity, corporate influence, and ethical considerations. The panel also discusses the strategic approaches to integrating private funding in ways that enhance, rather than compromise, institutional values.
11:45AM — 12:30PM
Panel 3: Funding the Future: Building Trust and Collaboration
Funding, whether from public or private sources, should not merely aim to cover costs but serve as a catalyst for systemic and transformative change across communities, sectors, and economies. This requires trust as the foundation—a mutual commitment between funders and recipients. Only through open dialogue, shared accountability, and a two-way street of collaboration can funding achieve its full potential to create lasting, meaningful impact.
12:35PM — 1:05PM
In Conversation: The Art Fund, and Private Funding for Public Good
Private philanthropy has a long history in the arts, with more traditional routes for patronage and donations to cultural institutions now complemented by a widening range of opportunities for private benefactors to ensure support for this public benefit. The Art Fund as a leading charity in this area has been at the forefront of these developments for many years.
1:10PM — 1:55PM
Panel 4: How Private and Public Funding Can Create More Synergies
Building on key themes from the conference, this discussion explores whether new models for closer collaboration between public and private funding sources are emerging. Amid shifting public and government support, the panel examines how cultural institutions can engage private donors while upholding artistic integrity and institutional values. Panelists reflect on the strategies raised to attract new philanthropy, develop innovative funding models, and measure social impact. In conclusion of the summit, this discussion explores how the public and private sectors can collaborate most effectively to build a more resilient cultural landscape.
