In all the areas where we want to achieve impact, change often comes about because of the application of good ideas by passionate people. Paul Hamlyn was an innovator and, in his business life and philanthropy, he backed people with good ideas. We want to do this too.

The Awards for Artists programme supports individuals whose ideas and pioneering work in the arts have transformed the cultural landscape. The awards give artists the freedom to develop their creative ideas and further their personal and professional growth. Since their inception, a total of 175 artists have benefited from the awards, with funds of over £7.2 million.

The Breakthrough Fund gives responsive and flexible support to talented and visionary individuals to develop their personal vision and drive, giving them the chance to make their mark as part of a vibrant arts ecology. Now in its fifth round, the Breakthrough Fund has supported an exciting mix of individuals across art forms and genres.

There are limited opportunities in the UK for individuals to access the financial support that is needed to turn bold ideas to achieve social change into a reality, particularly when operating outside of an established organisational context. The Ideas and Pioneers Fund opens up opportunities to individuals who want to progress ideas that they believe will lead to positive change. The fund supports ideas at the earliest stages of development to enable scoping and exploratory work.