About us
We believe that long-term careers in the performing arts can be achievable and that community groups have a key role to play in the development of new talent.
The BBC Performing Arts Fund aims to seek out and support aspiring individuals and community groups who, for reasons of lack of existing support, personal background or circumstance, would not have been able to achieve their greatest potential without the Fund's support or intervention.
Since its inception in 2003 the Fund has already awarded over £3.8m worth of grants, as well as offering mentoring and advice to help winners achieve their most ambitious goals. Previous winners have gone on to produce a Mercury Prize winning album, perform at the Glastonbury Festival, appear on Later with Jools Holland and land starring roles in the West End.
Every night when I go out to perform in the West End I know that it's only been made possible by the BBC Performing Arts Fund
Grant winner, Chris Cook
Each year the Fund's work focuses on a different art form – music, dance or theatre – and grants are distributed via two schemes, one for individuals and one for community groups.
The Charity is funded through revenue from the voting lines of BBC entertainment programmes such as Fame Academy and Over the Rainbow. We are delighted that the new BBC One entertainment show
The Voice will be raising money for the Fund through phone voting lines. The Voice will be looking for incredible new vocal talent from across the UK to support and nurture.
The charity is run by a high profile and experienced Board of Trustees. The BBC Performing Arts Fund is a registered charity, number 1101276.
Our Impact
Since 2003 we have awarded over £3.8m
1,250 individuals and 190 community groups have received a grant from us
We have helped over 900 musicians purchase instruments & equipment
13 emerging producers, choreographers and dancers have been awarded a Fellowship
We are the UK's biggest funder of musical theatre training in the charity sector, having supported 162 students to date
Trustees
Dorothy Wilson - Chair
Dorothy has been Artistic Director and Chief Executive of mac (Midlands Arts Centre) Birmingham since 1990. An experienced venue manager and programmer, Dorothy is a board member and adviser to a
wide range of organisations.
Kate Danielson
Kate is Director of the DCMS Jerwood Creative Bursaries Scheme – a new initiative designed to springboard the most talented young graduates into jobs in the arts. Previously she was Executive
Director of the Cheltenham Jazz Festival and launched the Jerwood Rising Stars programme.
Sarah Gee
Sarah is co-founder of Indigo Ltd which helps the arts and cultural sectors through more effective marketing and fundraising. She previously worked in a variety of roles in the music business, most
recently as Director of Communications for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Roger Leatham
Roger is the Head of Talent and Rights Negotiation Group at the BBC. Previously, he was Head of Operations and Business Affairs for Entertainment. During his initial time in the department, Roger
worked closely on the original Fame Academy series which sparked the Fund in 2003.
Alec McGivan
Alec is the Head of BBC Outreach, Corporate Responsibility & Partnerships. Previously he was Events Director to the City of London and Chief Executive of the Shakespeare Globe Trust. Alec
has had experience of working with many of Britain's leading charities.
Jacqueline McKay
Jacqueline has over 20 years experience supporting artists and communities as a theatre programmer and producer and is currently Chief Executive and Artistic Director at the Byre Theatre, St
Andrews. Previous roles include Head of Education at Scottish Ballet, and Arts Advisor, Aberdeen City Council.
Susannah Simons
Susannah is Project Executive for the BBC 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Previously she was Head of Public Affairs and Outreach at BBC Audio and Music. She is also a trustee of Youth Dance England, and
was one of the founder members of the team that set up Classic FM.
Sally Stote
Sally was Director of Operations at Youth Music for 8 years from 1999 when it was set up as a UK charity to enable young people to make music. She also helped start the Big Lottery Fund and was
Head of Combined Arts at Arts Council England.
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