The “Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts” is born, an initiative to promote the transformative power of art

Socially engaged art

At the Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation we are certain that art and culture are essential to address urgent social, political and cultural challenges. That is why, together with ten other European philanthropic foundations, we have created the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts. This initiative seeks to transform perception and promote support for socially engaged art through the creation of collaborative networks, impactful narratives, and inclusive political structures. As a first action, the alliance has launched a scholarship and advocacy program for leaders of arts organizations.

The Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts was presented on 23 January 2025 at the Arts and Culture for a Socially Impactful Europe event, held in Lisbon. It arises as a response to the growing need to revalue socially engaged arts and their essential role in building a fairer, more cohesive and resilient Europe. The eleven foundations pool their resources to create a unified support network and amplify the potential of socially engaged arts to drive real social change.

For the Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation, it is an undoubted commitment to be part of this alliance that has objectives so aligned with those of our own Foundation. Looking for partners and weaving networks is the best way to support the development of art and culture with social impact, it is to think beyond, it is to seek a future in which we all have a place.

Lucía Casani

General Director for Spain of the Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation

Through an innovative approach that combines funding, training and political advocacy, the alliance seeks to reverse the trend of cuts in public funding and low support for this sector. People who work professionally in Europe in the arts with a social impact are often misunderstood by those who believe that the artistic and the social are separate spheres from each other. This initiative advocates for recognizing socially engaged art not only as a cultural expression, but as a transformative force capable of empowering communities and addressing the challenges of the future.

The arts with social impact are key to realising the European Union’s vision of a resilient, cohesive and inclusive society, as they strengthen cultural connections and empower communities to find creative solutions to the social challenges they face, from mental health to climate change.

From the Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation, together with the other ten organizations that make up the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts, we seek to offer essential support and a collective voice to promote the arts with social impact to address urgent social, political and cultural challenges through art. The supported artistic processes will focus on communities and their needs, thus giving visibility to art as a tool to empower people and promote action on the issues they face.

Socially engaged art has long been a force for positive social change in Europe. Despite this, socially engaged arts organizations, artists, and cultural professionals remain undervalued. They are fighting against inadequate funding and unsupportive political structures, compounded by massive cuts in public funding, which hinders their impact in shaping a more creative and connected Europe.

Luís Jerónimo

Director of Sustainability and Equity at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and President of the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts

The eleven foundations that are part of the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts are:

Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation (Spain and France)
“la Caixa” Foundation (Spain)
Allianz Foundation (Germany)
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Portugal)
Cariplo Foundation (Italy)
Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation (Italy)
European Cultural Foundation (Netherlands)
Hilti Foundation (Liechtenstein)
King Baudouin Foundation (Belgium)
Moleskine Foundation (Italy)
Stiftung Mercator Schweiz (Switzerland)

Photo Reportage Arts and Culture for a Socially Impactful Europe

CALL FOR LEADERS OF ARTS ORGANIZATIONS

As the first action of the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts, we have launched the call for grants for the development of fellowships, to which applications can be sent until February 24, 2025.

The aim of this call is to provide a collaborative space for arts organisations committed to society to strengthen their work, enhance the professional development of fellows and drive impactful advocacy initiatives across Europe.

This 18-month programme is aimed at supporting up to 15 innovative leaders from arts organisations focused on community engagement and social change across Europe. Each scholarship recipient and their organization will receive a grant of 60,000 euros and will participate in online workshops and immersion experiences such as residencies, study visits and exchanges. In addition, they will receive mentorship and support to expand the impact of their work and that of their organizations.

The grant is the result of a partnership with Culture Action Europe, the Fitzcarraldo Foundation and The Audience Agency, experts in capacity building and advocacy in the arts sector.

Through the fellowship, we will be working with innovative leaders and organisations that are at the forefront of socially engaged arts across Europe to amplify their work. This program will build a collaborative and supportive environment where leaders can grow, overcome challenges, share knowledge, and drive real, lasting change. By supporting their development, our three organisations are proud to help reimagine and shape a fairer, more inclusive and boldly creative Europe.

Anne Torreggiani

Managing Director of The Audience Agency

Foundations for Arts Organization Leaders 2025

Call open until February 24, 2025.
Aimed at leaders of arts organizations in Europe.
Up to 15 people selected.
€60,000 for each scholarship recipient and for their organization
Online workshops, immersive experiences such as residencies, study visits and exchanges.
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