120 years of Art Fund
Founded in 1903, Art Fund has been bringing people and museums together to share in great art and culture for 120 years. During that time, we’ve helped museums across the UK build their collections, keep them accessible to the public, and do so much more to inspire their audiences.
Art Fund is the charity that connects museums, people and art
For 120 years, we’ve been helping museums and people to share in great art and culture – because we believe that access to art is vital for a healthy society.
We do three things, all intertwined.
We fund art, helping the UK’s museums to enrich their collections for today and forever.
We build audiences, with our National Art Pass opening doors to great culture.
And we amplify the museum sector, through our Museum of the Year award and creative events that bring the UK’s museums together.
How we work
Everything we do is made possible by our 135,000 members, who buy the National Art Pass, as well as the support of trusts, foundations, partner funders, and donors.
We have been an independent membership organisation from the very beginning, when, in 1903, the activist Christiana Herringham organised a new fund to help make sure that great art would be in public collections, open to everyone.
Our independence allows us to pursue what matters most, led by what museums tell us they need.
Our advocacy
We believe that access to art is vital for a healthy society.
Beyond the funding and other support we offer museums, we work hard to advocate for their importance in society – from commissioning research to lobbying government on issues that matter to the sector.
We are committed to supporting the museum sector in improving access to art for all. You can read our statement on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as our Statement on Environmental Sustainability.
Our people
As a team we are enthusiastic about the power of art to expand people’s lives.
Our board of trustees oversees the direction of Art Fund and considers all major grant applications and gifts and bequests of art.
The day-to-day running of the charity is in the hands of our senior management team, supported by our hard-working staff.
Ways to work with us
If you’re passionate about connecting museums, people and art, there are lots of ways to get involved with Art Fund.