Turner Contemporary

GET FUNDING

Art Happens

Our free crowdfunding platform helps museums and galleries to raise money for exciting arts projects. We are not currently accepting new applications.

Professional Get funding Art Happens

Leeds Art Gallery

What is Art Happens?

Art Happens is a crowdfunding platform that gives museums and audiences the power to bring ideas to life.

Designed specifically for UK museums and galleries
Helps you reach and engage with new audiences
100% of the funds raised go directly to your project
We offer a range of resources to help you run a successful campaign

Art Happens campaigns

With the support of members and donors, since we launched the platform in 2014,we have helped museums and galleries run their own crowdfunding campaigns for a variety of projects across the UK.

Courtauld Gallery, London

Art Happens, 'Why did the gallery cross the road?', South London Gallery, Fire Station opening weekend

Photo: Rosie Reed Gold

Charleston

Paula the Polar Bear

Courtesy Turner Contemporary

9,000

£1 million

50+

93%

Donors contributing to campaigns

Raised in crowdfunding

Completed Art Happens campaigns

Success rate

Big Steam Print, Acton Depot, London

What you will need

To run a crowdfunding campaign on Art Happens you must be a UK public museum, gallery, historic house, library or archive or a not-for-profit visual arts organisation with a public focus. You should have:

An exciting arts project in mind that you think will have public appeal
A clear idea of the amount you need to raise, and by when
Some previous experience of fundraising
Time and resources to run a crowdfunding campaign
An engaged supporter base and online audience
Full support from management and other stakeholders

How you can get started with Art Happens

01. Are you ready for crowdfunding?

Take our interactive quiz to find out if you are ready for crowdfunding

TAKE THE QUIZ

02. Talk to us about your project

Book a one-to-one with us to find out more about the platform and discuss your campaign ideas. Call bookings are unavailable as we are not currently accepting applications.

03. Attend a workshop

Once you’ve completed the quiz and spoken to us, book a place on our next workshop to learn everything you will need to know before submitting a proposal. Workshop bookings are unavailable as we are not currently accepting applications.

Art Happens FAQs

How much can I raise through Art Happens?

What’s the time frame for an Art Happens project?

What type of projects are Art Fund looking for?

How does Art Happens work and how much will we need to be involved?

What happens if we don’t raise the full amount?