John Gilhooly, Director, today expressed Wigmore Hall’s appreciation of the Secretary of State’s confirmation that the Hall has been successful in its application to Catalyst Arts: endowments and that a challenge fund of £1million will be awarded to the Hall to establish a new endowment fund over the next three years, subject to successful matched fundraising.
“The objective of the Catalyst Arts: endowment programme is to create a more sustainable, resilient and innovative arts sector. We are delighted that the Hall’s ongoing expansion of the scope and reach of its artistic programme met these criteria” said John Gilhooly.
Catalyst offers organisations such as Wigmore Hall a unique and valuable opportunity to move engagement with their donors and audiences to the next level and will form an important part of the Hall’s provision for a sound and successful future.
Moira Sinclair, Executive Director, London of Arts Council England, said: “Our mixed economy funding system for the arts has played an important part in enabling London to become a cultural world city and home to some of the most exciting arts organisations on the planet. But we know there is much more that can be done. Our Catalyst programme is one of many ways that we are helping organisations to become more financially resilient and confident, so they can continue to innovate and produce the great art that attracts audiences and artists in equal measure. This is exciting news for everyone involved. Wigmore Hall is well known for excellent concerts and we look forward to working with the Hall as it develops its plans for an equally impressive future.”
Arts Council England received 31 applications to the scheme, requesting a total of £45.5 million against a published budget of £25 million. Due to their ambition to support a wide range of organisations, establish endowments and grow their philanthropic fundraising, the Arts Council made the decision to increase the total budget available to £30.5 million. This resulted in funding being awarded to 18 applicants, including Wigmore Hall.