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TEFAF SUMMIT

Reimagining Philanthropy: New Models for Private Funding in the Arts

As a platform for meaningful discourse and collaboration on key issues, the TEFAF Summit seeks to drive awareness and promote action in the art world.

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Overview

This edition of the TEFAF Summit is organized in association with the Netherlands Commission for UNESCO and partner organizations including ICOM Belgium Flanders. The Summit is graciously supported by TEFAF’s Global Lead Partner, AXA XL.

The 2025 edition explores the challenges related to the lack of public funding in recent years and how philanthropy and new models of private funding could benefit the non-profit fine arts sector in Europe, the role of private funding in supporting institutions and museums, and the ways philanthropic partnerships can benefit non-profits, communities, and artists. Additionally, discussions will cover how blending private and public funding sources can maximize impact and foster collaboration.

9:00AM — 9:20AM

Introductions

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Sylvie Gleises CEO Singapore, AXA XL
8707 Lisanne Bedaux
Kathleen Ferrier Chair, Netherlands Commission for UNESCO
Dominique Savelkoul Photo 1
Dominique Savelkoul Managing Director, TEFAF

9:25AM — 10:10AM

Panel 1: Why Should Funders Invest in the Arts?

Amidst reduced government funding, incentivizing private donors to support the public cultural sector becomes crucial. Developing new philanthropic models to attract new philanthropy into the arts and culture sector is essential. Understanding the expected returns by donors and how they differ for the new generations is important. Arts and cultural stakeholders need to adapt, potentially by developing social impact measurement metrics.

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Adriano Picinati 1
Adriano Picinati di Torcello Global Art & Finance Coordinator, Deloitte
Adama Sanneh Photo
Adama Sanneh Co-founder & CEO Moleskine Foundation
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Levi De Feyter Wealth Advisor, J.P. Morgan Private Bank Brussels
Athena Balopoulou Photo
Athena Balopoulou Chief Strategy & Development Officer, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

10:15AM — 11:00AM

Panel 2: Funding the Public Space: How do Museums Blend Public and Private Funding?

This discussion delves into the complexities of museum funding and how museums can achieve financial stability amid challenges surrounding public funding for institutions. It examines potential drawbacks of private funding, including concerns about artistic integrity, corporate influence, and ethical considerations. The panel also discusses the strategic approaches to integrating private funding in ways that enhance, rather than compromise, institutional values.

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Sergio Servellon
Sergio Servellon Board Member, ICOM Belgium Flanders and Director, FeliXart Museum
Kim Oosterlinck Photo
Kim Oosterlinck Director, KMSKB
Wim Pijbes Photo
Wim Pijbers Director Droom en Daad Foundation
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Marie-Claire Groeninck Chief Development Officer, Major Gifts and International Philanthropy at Centre Pompidou

11:45AM — 12:30PM

Panel 3: Funding the Future: Building Trust and Collaboration

Funding, whether from public or private sources, should not merely aim to cover costs but serve as a catalyst for systemic and transformative change across communities, sectors, and economies. This requires trust as the foundation—a mutual commitment between funders and recipients. Only through open dialogue, shared accountability, and a two-way street of collaboration can funding achieve its full potential to create lasting, meaningful impact.

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Martin van Engel Photo
Martin van Engel Member of the Netherlands Commission for UNESCO and D&I advisor
Marcus Desando Photo
Marcus Desando Executive Director, Prince Claus Fund
UM SBE Pownall Rachel 10242023 Rachel Pownall
Rachel Pownall Professor of Arts and Finance, University of Maastricht
Hendrikje Crebolder Photo
Hendrikje Crebolder TEFAF Global Advisory Board,  Supervisory Board Vlisco and International Board of Manifesta 
Zineb Seghrouchni by Sharon Jane D LR
Zineb Seghrouchni Founder and Director, DAR Cultural Agency

12:35PM — 1:05PM

In Conversation: The Art Fund, and Private Funding for Public Good

Private philanthropy has a long history in the arts, with more traditional routes for patronage and donations to cultural institutions now complemented by a widening range of opportunities for private benefactors to ensure support for this public benefit. The Art Fund as a leading charity in this area has been at the forefront of these developments for many years.

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Will Korner
Will Korner Head of Fairs, TEFAF
Jenny Waldman Photo
Jenny Waldman Director, Art Fund

1:10PM — 1:55PM

Panel 4: How Private and Public Funding Can Create More Synergies

Building on key themes from the conference, this discussion explores whether new models for closer collaboration between public and private funding sources are emerging. Amid shifting public and government support, the panel examines how cultural institutions can engage private donors while upholding artistic integrity and institutional values. Panelists reflect on the strategies raised to attract new philanthropy, develop innovative funding models, and measure social impact. In conclusion of the summit, this discussion explores how the public and private sectors can collaborate most effectively to build a more resilient cultural landscape.

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Anders Petterson Photo 1
Anders Petterson CEO & Founder, ArtTactic
Barbera Wolfensberger Photo
Barbera Wolfensberger Director-General for Culture and Media, Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
Clare Titley Photo
Clare Titley Director Business Innovation & Philanthropy, Arts Council England