Support Us

For over 35 years, FVU has played a central role in artists’ moving image, supporting some of the most significant voices in contemporary art. We have commissioned and produced more than 200 projects, from large-scale immersive installations to works designed for digital platforms.

We identify and support artists at pivotal moments in their careers, including future Turner Prize nominees such as Duncan Campbell, Luke Fowler, Isaac Julien, Janice Kerbel, Mark Leckey and Rene Matić. Our commissions enable artists to take creative risks, reach new audiences and gain critical recognition.

FVU is the only organisation in the UK working across the full lifecycle of moving image production, from commission through to exhibition and touring. We provide a collaborative environment where artists can experiment, work with new technologies and develop ambitious, interdisciplinary projects.

Our work extends beyond the artists we commission. We support a wide network of freelancers, specialists and partner organisations, contributing to the wider creative economy and strengthening the UK’s moving image sector.

Artists are facing increasing economic precarity. Funding is shrinking while production costs continue to rise, making it harder to create new work, particularly in moving image where production is complex and resource-intensive. Galleries battling spiking costs and intense competition for funds can’t support artists to make new work. At the same time, demand for opportunities is growing. Each open call receives around 500 applications, yet only a small number can be supported.

FVU plays a vital role in sustaining artistic development at a point where it is most at risk. With additional support, we can expand access to these opportunities and back more artists to realise ambitious work. At a time of increasing social and political division, contemporary art offers a space for reflection, challenge and dialogue. Moving image is uniquely placed to reach wide audiences, combining accessibility with depth and complexity. FVU is committed to holding this space open for diverse voices and perspectives.

Impact

Each year we support around seven artists, ten writers and over 250 freelance creatives, reaching audiences of 200,000 to 1.2 million across more than 100 presentations, including exhibitions, screenings and online platforms.

We work with partners across the UK, from rural communities to major cities, as well as internationally. 90% of audiences rate our work as good or excellent, alongside 89% of partners and 96% of commissioned artists.
With increased support, we can expand our reach, support more artists and connect with even broader audiences.

We are proud to be recognised as a National Portfolio Organisation by Arts Council England, but each year we aim to raise a further £400k from other sources to support the full ambition of our artistic programme and to take our artworks to more communities across the UK and internationally. 

Personal Giving

For a donation of £500 you will become an FVU Friend for a year, and be invited to all of our breakfast previews, private views and other events. You will also receive exclusive project updates, a special thanks on the FVU website and your choice of artist signed publication from the FVU archive.
 
By donating £5,000 you will join our group of FVU Luminaries - cultural philanthropists who believe in directly supporting early-stage artists to realise their potential, as well as in delivering world class art to under-represented communities. As a Luminary you will receive all of the benefits of the Friends scheme but also be offered the option to dedicate your contribution to an FVU commission of your choice, and be personally credited for your contribution to that work. You will also have the opportunity to spend time with the artist whose work you have supported.
 
At whatever level you give, your gift will be valued by FVU, by the artists that we commission and by the audiences that we serve. For more information please contact our Managing Director, Susanna Chisholm, at susanna@fvu.co.uk.

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Trusts and Foundations

FVU is grateful to receive funding from trusts and foundations both for specific projects and for core costs. We work nationally and also regionally so there are many ways to support our work via a grant. Our outcomes are monitored and evaluated thoroughly which means that we can provide a high standard of reporting to our funders.

Corporate Support

FVU recognises the importance of partnerships with commercial organisations that can deliver benefits including cash contributions, gifts-in-kind, bro-bono work, employee volunteers and access to audiences. We are happy to consider sponsorship of our projects from companies that are aligned with our charitable mission and our organisational principles and values.

By supporting FVU your company can help us to commission talented artists, reach underrepresented audiences across the country, provide community outreach work in deprived areas, and educate future artists and curators. Our programme provides several opportunities each year for our corporate supporters to deliver unique engagement events for staff and customers. Please contact susanna@fvu.co.uk to begin a conversation.

Film and Video Umbrella. Charity number: 1165046

Image: Jane & Louise Wilson Undead Sun, installed at Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, 2016.