What is artikula?

artikula is a platform dedicated to raising awareness, promoting, and developing the financing of culture from non-public sources. The primary motivation behind its activities is to encourage sponsors and donors to support culture and to help establish and maintain vibrant relationships between cultural organizations and their supporters.

In this way, the initiative not only supports the stability of cultural institutions and the long-term sustainability of their operations, but also supports their patrons and fosters their meaningful connection to culture.

artikula focuses on raising awareness of non-grant fundraising opportunities—particularly sponsorship and donations—and provides education, networking opportunities, and informational resources.

Why we founded artikula?

artikula responds to the urgent need for multi-source funding in Czech culture. Domestic cultural institutions currently rely primarily on public funding, which, in the long term, offers neither stability nor certainty, resilience, or sustainability. The reasons that led to the founding of Artikula:

  • Cultural organizations lack systematic experience with non-grant fundraising; they lack the necessary skills, training, and often motivation as well.

  • In practice, both the cultural sector and sponsors often confuse sponsorship with philanthropy; neither side is taking full advantage of the potential of a well-established relationship.

  • Moreover, the cultural sector is plagued by myths about its funding, and sponsors and donors are often unaware that it needs support.

  • There is an acute shortage of experienced cultural fundraisers in the Czech Republic.

  • The Czech Republic lacks systematic educational programs (e.g., at secondary schools or universities).

Our Goals

  • Raise awareness of the need for and opportunities to fund culture.

  • Clearly and concisely demonstrate the potential that comes from supporting culture.

  • To encourage the creation of professional fundraiser positions in cultural organizations.

  • Initiate a discussion on systemic changes, whether in legislation or in university education.

Our Areas of Interest

  • artikula builds and brings together a community of people and organizations who share a commitment to raising awareness and promoting the topic of cultural funding from non-public sources. It connects representatives from the cultural, private, corporate, and public sectors.

    The current space for sharing experiences, opportunities, articles, and examples of best practices is the private Facebook group “Cultural Non-Grant Fundraising”—you can request membership here. Anyone who has something to say about cultural non-grant fundraising, wants to learn more, or is interested in the topic in any way is welcome to join.

    In addition, you can stay connected by subscribing to the newsletter featuring news from the world of cultural non-grant fundraising or by registering yourself or your organization as an honorary member of the platform. More information below.

  • artikula is reshaping and building the image of non-grant-based cultural fundraising. It aims to dispel the notion that building relationships with the private and commercial sectors is a necessary but unpleasant evil, and to foster a sense of connection between the cultural sector and its supporters and audiences.

  • In collaboration with regional authorities, municipalities, educational institutions, and professional organizations, artikula organizes one-time events as well as intensive educational programs for individuals, students, cultural institutions, and companies (seminars, workshops, consultations, and mentoring).

  • The association initiates and supports proposals for systemic changes and the expansion of educational opportunities in this field. To this end, it collaborates with lawmakers, schools, and professional organizations in the Czech Republic and abroad.