Excellence and innovation in the arts
Excellence and innovation in the arts
Artistic heritage engages the mind and nourishes the spirit. By supporting arts organisations both in reinvigorating the classical canon and in producing new work we aim to foster a deep appreciation for culture, encourage engagement with ideas, and contribute to a broader and more informed public conversation about important issues.
We support innovation in the development and production of new creative work at performing arts organisations such as the National Theatre, The Old Vic, Cheek by Jowl and English Touring Opera.
A vital cultural life depends on the development of talent and nurturing of young performers. Projects that we have supported include the America-Israel Cultural Foundation’s scholarships and grants programme, scholarships for students from British music academies to attend the annual Aspen Summer School and Festival, and rehearsal space in the Royal College of Music’s extended campus.
At the Royal College of Music we also supported the position of Polonsky Visiting Professor of Violin, occupied by one of the world’s leading violinists, Maxim Vengerov, from 2016 to 2024. This role involved masterclasses for individual students and the student orchestra.
Excellence and innovation in the arts projects
Humanities education and research
We recognise the importance for democracy of a deeply-ingrained culture of humanities. We support fundamental research in the humanities at significant academic institutions, and the development of educational materials and methods to inspire young people about the humanities.
Cultural heritage and digitisation
We are excited by the extraordinary opportunities afforded by digitisation. We support major libraries in making the riches of their collections available to researchers and the wider public in innovative and attractive ways.