There is a lot of work still to be done when it comes to making the creative industries truly representative of the world we live in. Agents for Change was set up to use our collective influence as illustration agents to help diversify our industry. And we aren’t the only ones fighting to push forward in the right direction - far from it.
From organisations that provide funding and grants to those which host mentoring schemes, there are so many creative changemakers out there working tirelessly to make the industry - and the wider world - a fairer place. Here is a list of creative charities, funds and social projects we would highly recommend looking into…
ARTCRY
Funds and supports artists to create bold political work with funding in seven days to enable fast action.
Website: artcry.co.uk
Instagram: @artcry20
Arts Council England
Providing funding to support individuals who are cultural and creative practitioners and want to take time to focus on their creative development.
Website: artscouncil.org.uk
Instagram: @aceagrams
Arts Emergency
Helps young people get a fair start in the arts and humanities.
Website: arts-emergency.org
Instagram: @artsemergency
Awesome Foundation
A global community advancing the interest of awesome in the universe, $1000 at a time.
Website: awesomefoundation.org
Black Girl Fest Designers
A cultural studio and consultancy specialising in social innovation, community and experiences.
Website: blackgirlfest.com
Instagram: @blackgirlfest
Creative Access
Practical diversity, equity and inclusion programmes that open up career access and help people thrive in the industry.
Website: creativeaccess.org.uk
Instagram: @_creativeaccess
Creative Debuts
A global platform connecting artists with art lovers and democratising the art world
Website: creativedebuts.co.uk
Instagram: @creativedebuts
Creative Scotland
Distributing funding for the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland.
Website: creativescotland.com
Instagram: @creativescots
Design Can
A non-profit campaign, community and resource platform calling for the design industry to be representative of the world it serves.
Website: design-can.com
Instagram: @_designcan__
Extra Nice Fund
A fund by It's Nice That which enables a meaningful project aimed at improving diversity in our industry.
Website: itsnicethat.com
Instagram: @itsnicethat
Good Nugget
Championing people of colour into the creative industry through mentoring and events.
Website: goodnugget.co
Instagram: @goodnugget.co
Grand Plan Fund
Supporting artists of colour in the UK with £1,000 grants to take a leap.
Website: grandplanfund.co.uk
Instagram: @grandplanfund
Intoart
A pioneering visual arts organisation led by the creative ambition of learning disabled and autistic people as artists and designers.
Website: intoart.org.uk
Instagram: @intoart_uk
Jerwood
Supporting excellence and dedication in the arts in the UK.
Website: jerwoodarts.org
Instagram: @jerwoodfoundation
Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Working towards a just future in which everyone, especially young people, can realise their full potential and enjoy fulfilling and creative lives.
Website: phf.org.uk
Instagram: @paulhamlynfoundation
Project Art Works
A collective of neurodiverse artists and activists.
Website: projectartworks.org
Instagram: @projectartworks
We're All Human
Providing in-depth support to creatives so you can make accessible content.
Website: wereallhuman.uno
Instagram: @wereallhuman.uno
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