Happy #CharityChatTuesday everyone!
Discover my thoughts on the lack of funding for cultural and heritage organisations below.
If you’re a fundraiser who has insights to share, get in touch, I’d love to chat!
Email: marketing@gwd.team
Gemma Collier
Marketing Content Coordinator, GWD
As a Sheffield local, born and bred, I was heartbroken when I heard that The Leadmill had lost its recent court appeal.
This verdict was the final nail in the coffin.
Meaning this cultural venue will shortly close their doors for good.
Despite the public outcry and court appeal, The Leadmill will have to leave its premises.
This seems to be the latest in a series of bad news surrounding UK culture and heritage.
With venues, museums, galleries and cinemas all struggling to survive.
My question is…
Do cultural organisation in the UK need to re-evaluate their place in society?
As far as public opinion goes, these sites are just as valuable as they ever were.
They’re just not well funded.
Whether it’s government funding, major donors or public donations…
There doesn’t seem to be enough money to go around.
Certainly not enough to keep these pillars of society open and thriving.
At least, not in the same way they’ve always done…
Government funding has been reduced massively.
With application requirements becoming increasingly complex and tedious.
Major donors are risky.
You now need to vet them, ensuring their values are aligned with your own.
Some venues are considering paid entry for the first time.
Instead of relying solely on donations.
But this can act as barrier to entry, especially for those in lower socio-economic areas…
So, how should you boost funding? Should you be implementing paid entry?
Well, not necessarily.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
Mostly due to the huge variety of venues in the sector.
You have to test what works for you and what doesn’t.
One thing we know for sure is that: when asked, the public will support local culture and heritage.
The Leadmill’s campaign proved this.
So did Peterborough Cathedral’s recent appeal.
Both had very different approaches.
It was the messaging that drove the engagement for both.
‘We need support and this is why’
They focused on emotional connection, bringing together the local community and the potential loss of culture.
My theory is that the approach is somewhat irrelevant, the messaging behind it is what matters!
These venues need to effectively communicate the challenges they’re facing.
In a way that engages the public.
Reminds the public why they care.
And what they could potentially lose…
Who are GWD?
We help socially-minded organisations transition to digital systems, building stronger relationships through impactful products and services.
Our experience goes back two decades, with a foundation building and providing critical digital services and products for the financial services and retail industries.
With a long-proven ability to handle challenging projects and a team of trusted experts, we work hard to solve problems and deliver change that helps others.
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