What does it mean to be a creative, trading business with a social purpose in the age of COVID-19? The Nesta Arts & Culture Finance team explored how organisations in their investment portfolio are using repayable finance to develop new business models, grow commercial activity and adapt to a post-COVID world.

The team were be joined by speakers and organisations with a foot in both the subsidised arts and culture sector and the commercial world: Eloise Malone, Creative Director & CEO of Effervescent; and Charlie Morrison, Executive Director of Walk the Plank.

Topics covered included:

• Steps arts and culture organisations have had to take in order to navigate the global pandemic
• The skills and resources necessary for this task
• How social investment can play a role in the recovery.

What is the event?

A one-hour webinar which includes an introduction to the Arts & Culture Finance funds, a panel discussion and Q&A.

Who is it for and why should I attend?

People in the arts, culture and heritage sector who are interested in diversifying their organisation’s income streams or adapting their business model and are curious about repayable finance.

Who is speaking?

Charlie Morrison, Executive Director, Walk the Plank

Established in 1992, Salford-based Walk the Plank is one of Britain’s foremost outdoor arts organisations, a registered charity and one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations. It is known for its site-responsive events, both large and small, in a variety of locations as well as firework displays and community processions that bring diverse groups of people together as spectators, participants or co-creators of its work.

Eloise Malone, Creative Director & CEO, Effervescent

Effervescent is a social enterprise and registered charity based in Devon. They passionately believe that children and young people have the insight, intelligence and imagination to make the world a better place. With backgrounds in child counselling, youth work, art and advertising, Effervescent have developed a unique methodology for co-producing creative campaigns with vulnerable children and young people. Their approach not only transforms the lives of those involved directly, but also produces exhibitions and communications campaigns that touch the lives of children and young people everywhere.

You may also be interested in our other event Arts & Culture Finance Virtual Learning Series: A creative education which took place on Tuesday 16 March.

Effervescent and Walk the Plank were supported through the Arts Impact Fund. Find out more about the current Arts & Culture Finance funds.