Art Happens is a unique crowdfunding platform, designed specifically for museums and galleries, that puts you at the heart of every campaign. Choose a cause that inspires you, and your donation will earn you an exclusive reward. Your support can help bring exciting projects to life and, unlike any other platform, we send every single penny directly to the museum or gallery.

1. Art Happens_
with Art Fund

2. WHAT IS ART HAPPENS?
First crowdfunding platform in the UK exclusively for museums
and galleries
93% of museum visitors give to charities but only 40% of those
give to museums
Fully funded no charges, commission or direct costs so 100%
of donations go to the project
Dedicated Art Happens team to share advice and experience

3. ART HAPPENS
Captain Kris and Amara Por
part of the Amy Street Art Trail, created by the Jewish Museum
- Since launching in 2014 we have worked with 34 organisations to raise money for
exhibitions, commissions and restorations
- Helped 34 organisations raise over £500,000 with 5,390 donors and 5,540 donations
- 41% of donors to Art Happens projects are known to Art Fund
- 94% success rate
- Recent projects: Museum of London, Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell, Foundling
Museum and Turner Contemporary
- Most successful campaigns: Watts Gallery - raised 175% and £43,
802 and the Foundling Museum who raised 186% and £37, 320

4. Raise money for an exciting arts project
Raise the profile of your museum and funding
needs
Democratise museum philanthropy by
engaging lower-level donors
Reach wider audiences
Learn new skills
OPPORTUNITIES

5. Access to technology can be a barrier
Engaging a community of funders requires a real
effort
Maintaining momentum is hard
Risk, the campaign could fail
CHALLENGES

6. Is your project publically appealing?
Is it tangible and achievable?
How would you describe it to a friend over
coffee?
WHAT MAKES A GREAT CROWDFUNDING PROJECT?

7. #REDRESSINGPLEASURE

8. - Pleasure Gardens Gallery
- 18th & 19th Century Clothing
- Immersive Experience
- Popular Exhibition
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19. TOP TIPS
• Be transparent and tell a story
• Think about your audience
• Build excitement around achieving the target
• Consider your timing – the campaign will need
your full attention
• Go for realistic amounts, between £10,000 and
£25,000
• Keep in touch with your donors
Jacob Curator from The Fan Museum:
‘Work closely with your colleagues and
volunteers so they feel confident talking about
the campaign .’
Ella Marketing Manager from Jerwood Gallery:
‘The most important thing is getting people
excited … Rewards were incredibly important in
encouraging giving, but also essential was
fostering our funders’ sense of ownership over
the project.’

20. DO YOU WANT TO MAKE ART HAPPEN?
• Tell us about your great idea
• Attend a workshop (quarterly event at Art Fund)
• Submit your proposal
• Make Art Happen Get in touch:
mkalinowski@artfund.org
Sign up artfund.org/bulletin
Follow @artfund

21. THANK YOU
Art Happens_
with Art Fund