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TEFAF SUMMIT

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

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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

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Sylvie Gleises-Confirmed
Sylvie Gleises CEO Singapore, AXA XL
Kathleen Ferrier-Confirmed
Kathleen Ferrier Chair, Netherlands Commission for UNESCO
Dominique Savelkoul-Confirmed
Dominique Savelkoul Managing Director, TEFAF

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.

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Adriano Picinati di Torcello-Confirmed
Adriano Picinati di Torcello Global Art & Finance Coordinator, Deloitte (Moderator)
Adama Sanneh-Confirmed
Adama Sanneh Co-founder & CEO Moleskine Foundation
Levi De Feyter-Confirmed
Levi De Feyter Wealth Advisor, J.P. Morgan Private Bank Brussels
Athena Balopoulou-Confirmed
Athena Balopoulou Chief Strategy & Development Officer, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

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.

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Sergio Servellon-Confirmed
Sergio Servellon Board Member, ICOM Belgium Flanders and Director, FeliXart Museum (Moderator)
Kim Oosterlinck-Confirmed
Kim Oosterlinck Director, KMSKB
Wim Pijbes-Confirmed
Wim Pijbers Director Droom en Daad Foundation
Marie-Claire Groeninck-Confirmed
Marie-Claire Groeninck Chief Development Officer, Major Gifts and International Philanthropy at Centre Pompidou

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.

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Martin van Engel-Confirmed
Martin van Engel Member of the Netherlands Commission for UNESCO and D&I advisor (Moderator)
Marcus Desando-Confirmed
Marcus Desando Executive Director, Prince Claus Fund
Rachel Pownall-Confirmed
Rachel Pownall Professor of Arts and Finance, University of Maastricht
Hendrikje Crebolder-Confirmed
Hendrikje Crebolder TEFAF Global Advisory Board,  Supervisory Board Vlisco and International Board of Manifesta 
Zineb Seghrouchni-Confirmed
Zineb Seghrouchni Founder and Director, DAR Cultural Agency

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.

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Will Korner-Confirmed
Will Korner Head of Fairs, TEFAF (Moderator)
Jenny Waldman-Confirmed
Jenny Waldman Director, Art Fund

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.

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Anders Petterson-Confirmed
Anders Petterson CEO & Founder, ArtTactic (Moderator)
Barbera Wolfensberger-Confirmed
Barbera Wolfensberger Director-General for Culture and Media, Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
Clare Titley-Confirmed
Clare Titley Director Business Innovation & Philanthropy, Arts Council England 

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