Thought Leadership

Because we know that building a more sustainable and inclusive cultural sector requires new ways of thinking, we’re creating a platform for eminent thought leaders to provoke debate and challenge the status quo.

Explore our archive below and sign up to our mailing list to hear about our forthcoming Thought Leadership programming.

 

The Art of Giving: Why Cultural Philanthropy Matters and How to Strengthen It

To kick off the return of the 2026 Achates Philanthropy Prize, we published an evidence-based argument that the barriers to cultural giving in the UK are structural, communicative and cultural – and that they can be addressed.

Read the Positioning Paper

Reflecting on Soft Power and Cultural Philanthropy

In October 2025, we hosted a symposium in partnership with the Delfina Foundation at the Warburg Institute in London. Attracting the World: A Symposium on Soft Power, Purpose and the Politics of Persuasion brought together leading figures from across culture, philanthropy, business, and policy to explore culture’s evolving role in shaping the UK’s domestic and international influence.

Read the Full Reflection

Another World is Possible

In November 2024, we hosted our second inaugural Thought Leadership Lecture, given by Former Green Party Leader, Caroline Lucas at the Southbank Centre. ‘Another World is Possible’ launched our programme on environmental impact, encouraging the cultural sector to become leaders in response to the climate emergency.

Read the Full Lecture

‘In Conversation’ with Darren Walker OBE

On November 8, 2023, the Cultural Philanthropy Foundation welcomed President of the Ford Foundation, Darren Walker OBE, for a special In Conversation with Suzanne Alleyne, hosted at the US Embassy.

View the full event here.

  • The Transformational Power of Art

    Chris Sonnex – Artistic Director, Cardboard Citizens.

    Read.

  • The Neurology of Power Dynamics

    Suzanne Alleyne, Cultural Thinker.

    Read.

  • All That's Been Revealed

    Javaad Alipoor, Theatremaker and curator of the Achates Philanthropy Foundation’s first virtual Symposium.

    Read.

  • The Ground is Shifting

    Caroline McCormick, Chair of the Cultural Philanthropy Foundation.

    Read.

  • The Social Mobility Myth

    Panel discussion from our 2021 Symposium, chaired by Syima Aslam, Bradford Literature Festival

    Watch.