Join outset partners

A limited, collegial group of art philanthropists each contribute £25,000 to the Outset Partners fund. The collective decides which projects to support through discourse guided by an independent Research Lead, currently Clare Lilley. They assess and vote on funding for projects at every stage of the grant-making process.

“You will never get this level of insight from anywhere else – it’s the actual voice of institutions, what they want now, next year... It is a privilege to have access to this knowledge.”

Who are partners?

Partners are international philanthropists with broad experience and interests. They share a passionate commitment to:

• Support ambitious art and ideas – strengthening the institutions and ecosystems that make them possible
• Engage with the questions, opportunities and challenges shaping the arts now, and in the future
• Listen and debate — bringing a variety of perspectives to an informed, collective decision-making process
• Back institutions and curators — trusting their expertise to identify where support can make a meaningful difference

WHAT DOES BEING A PARTNER UNLOCK?

• A voice in where support goes – nominating and advocating for projects, shaping which proposals receive funding
• Insight that goes beyond the application – briefings and updates on the progress of funded projects as they move from ideation to realisation
• A direct connection to an international network of fellow philanthropists, public art institutions, artists and curators
• Opportunities to go further through virtual and hybrid salons, expert-led research trips, and opportunities to host international artists and curators
• A closer view of what is happening next – engaging directly with the ideas, debates and developments shaping contemporary art internationally

WHAT PARTNER SUPPORT MAKES POSSIBLE

Since its launch, Outset Partners has provided more than £2.1 million to 34 international projects across four continents, supporting more than 200 artists and 80 creative practitioners. Supported projects have included exhibitions, education and professional development, institutional transformation and creative infrastructure..

To find out more, contact partners@outset.org.uk