What Next? is a free-to-access UK wide movement; with 31 chapters across the nations, we bring together freelancers and small and large arts organisations to inform, debate and shape the future of the arts and culture.
What Next? is supported by a small hard-working team of four freelancers working a few days a week, who work closely with a Steering Group of 16 UK cultural leaders and the local knowledge and expertise of our 30+ Chapter Chairs.
Since March 2020 and in support of the sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, What Next? has:
Our needs as a movement
The work we do costs around £120,000 a year. This includes fees, access costs, strategic programmes, movement grants and overheads.
Over the last five years we have been supported through the generosity of trusts and foundations (Clore Duffield, Paul Hamlyn, Foyle, Mackintosh, Gulbenkian, Esmee Fairbairn and the Theatre Development Trust) as well as the support of Arts Council England and a number of vital donations by member organisations and individuals.
Many people offer us support in kind and we are extremely grateful for the time and expertise we receive, but, no funder will support a project forever without evidence that it is valued and supported by those who use it. We urgently need that support. Without it, there is real danger that our work will end if we cannot continue to secure your generous support.
What we will do in 2022
What Next? will continue to work on 3 priorities to:
How to donate
You just have to click the button below to make a donation via PayPal, or you can email clarethurman@gmail.com if you would prefer to receive an invoice.
We’re not a membership organisation. We believe in empowering everyone to get informed and use their voice and their assets to make the change they want to see. We are completely independent and led by the sector. 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 the movement.
If you are an organisation: We want to ask you to consider a:
If you are an individual: We want to ask you to consider contributing £20 a year.
Please consider contributing more if you’re able to, or at a level that feels right for you. We know the difficulties of the current climate. Every donation will make a difference.
We are not asking for membership fees. We are still a movement – not an organisation. We want to stay that way. This is not about buying a seat at the table. This is about securing the future of What Next?