Support What Next?

What Next? is the largest independent, free-to-access UK-wide movement, bringing together small and large arts organisations and freelancers to inform, debate and shape the future of the arts and culture. Via regular UK-wide online meetings and regional Chapters, we share information, convene space for discussion, and advocate for sector change. We believe in empowering everyone to be informed, and to use their voice and their assets to make the change they want to see. We are completely independent and led by the sector.

Through our fortnightly UK-wide online meetings, organisations and individuals benefit from hearing a range of perspectives on issues and policies impacting the arts and cultural sector. People from across the movement are supported to attend roundtables, have their voices heard and engage in policy making. The local Chapter network enables people to feel more connected and informed.  

This year What Next? is working on three priorities:

  1. Influence policy-making, making the case for the arts and culture. 
  2. Debating and shaping the future of the cultural sector in the current socio-political landscape. Our regional Chapters are developing strategies and initiatives that meet the needs of local communities.
  3. Democratise and diversify the What Next? movement’s structures and cultures.

Our work keeps the arts and culture sector relevant and connected. Please see the recent work we have done here.  

Our needs:

What Next? is led by three part-time freelancers, who work together with the Directors, and a Leadership Group of cultural leaders, and with the local knowledge and expertise of our regional Chapter Chairs.

The work we do costs £150,000 a year. This includes strategic programmes, professional fees, movement grants, access costs, and overheads.

Over the last five years we have been supported through the generosity of trusts and foundations (Paul Hamlyn, Esmee Fairbairn, Calouste Gulbenkian, Clore Duffield, Foyle, Mackintosh, and the Theatre Development Trust) as well as the support of Arts Council England, and vital donations from cultural organisations and individuals.

We urgently need financial support from the sector to continue the work we do. 

Our aims in 2025/2026:

What Next? is working on three priorities:

  1. Influence policy-making, making the case for the arts and culture. 
  2. Debating and shaping the future of the cultural sector in the current socio-political landscape. Our regional Chapters are developing strategies and initiatives that meet the needs of  local communities.
  3. Democratise and diversify the What Next? movement’s structures and cultures.

We need your support. 

  • Are you or your colleagues attendees at What Next? meetings, either the UK-wide meetings online or meetings in your region?
  • Do you value the information, advocacy and community?
  • Do you recognise its importance to continue?

Please donate to What Next?

You can click the button below to make a donation via PayPal, or email info@whatnextculture.co.uk if you would prefer to receive an invoice.

We are absolutely reliant on your donations to keep going. To survive as an independent space to shape the future of the arts & culture, we need financial contributions from you.

If you are an organisation: We ask you to consider a:

  • Contribute £4,000: organisations with £1 million or more worth of  funding p/y
  • Contribute £1,500: organisations with £250,000 – £999,999 worth of funding p/y
  • Contribute £250: organisations with £40,000 – £249,999 worth of funding p/y

If you are an individual: We ask you to contribute £25 a year or £5 per month.

Everyone is welcome at What Next?

What Next? is not a membership organisation but donations are most gratefully received to help us continue our work in an independent space. This is not about buying a seat at the table – this is about securing the future of What Next?.

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