The Institute of Fundraising has launched a new special interest group aimed at fundraising professionals in the cultural sector.
The IoF Cultural Special Interest Group was set up in response to cultural sector funding cuts and aims to build on the organisation's work to support charities and voluntary groups across the sector.
Martin Kaufman, chair of the group and an independent fundraising consultant, said the group would “rise to the challenge of continuing budget cuts” and “embrace all cultural sector fundraisers in the visual and performing arts, heritage and libraries, museums and galleries, crafts, festivals and writing”.
Arts charities faced financial strain last year following a decision by the government to cut spending through Arts Council England by £150m – from £792m in 2012/13 down to £642m in 2013/14.
“Responding to the cuts in cultural sector funding was one of the main reasons why I and a few others wanted to get this group set up and supported by the IoF,” said Kaufman.
“The last thing we want is when the next recession comes round (which it inevitably will), arts and heritage will once more be the first areas to be cut.
"I hope this new group will play a critical role in working with the IoF to lobby government about the critical importance of culture to the health and wealth of the UK. We need the general public to understand that arts and heritage organisations are charities just like hospices and animal sanctuaries.”
The group will be a platform for cultural fundraisers to debate concerns, according to Kaufman.
“This initiative will allow cultural fundraisers to work closely with the Institute around advocacy and government lobbying, research and training,” said Kaufman. “It will also provide a terrific opportunity to share ideas and experience both within the cultural sector but also with traditional charities, educational, medical and other sectors.
“This moment has been a long time coming, but the enthusiasm with which it has been greeted by a large number of organisations speaks volumes about the current perception of how it is needed. The time is right, and we are going to seize it.”
