Discover how crowdfunding empowers cultural initiatives, connects audiences, and makes creative projects possible.
Crowdfunding has become a key tool for artists, cultural institutions, and creative professionals. More than just raising funds, it represents a way to directly engage audiences with cultural creation.
In this article, we explore what it is, how it works in cultural projects, and examples of platforms that have supported successful initiatives.
Crowdfunding in cultural projects is a collaborative financing system and has been the solution for the execution of various projects, not only in the arts, but also for many small ventures that would bring collective benefits and whose creators cannot afford the costs alone – from app developers to educational projects.
How does crowdfunding work in cultural projects
Generally, this system in cultural projects is set up on an all-or-nothing basis. A budget is drawn up for the project and a start and end date for the collection of contributions is set.
If the campaign reaches its goal by the deadline, the money raised is transferred to the project, which can finally be carried out, and its sponsors receive gifts (if you support a musician to release a CD, for example, you may receive the first copy of the CD when it is released).
If the goal is not exceeded, however, the money is returned to the sponsors.
What is the principle of crowdfunding in cultural projects?
The basic principle of crowdfunding is to divide the amount needed for the cultural project among the contributors.
Let’s say you need to carry out a cultural project that aims to teach painting techniques to children in your community. Let’s say that between maintaining the venue and purchasing materials, you need around £20,000.
By placing your project on a crowdfunding platform, each person can contribute £10 or £20. It is a very small amount for each person, but when added to the contributions of everyone who commits to helping, it reaches your established goal.
Your proposal should be made and widely publicised so that it reaches as many people as possible, since everyone is a potential contributor.
Who uses crowdfunding for cultural projects
This system has been adopted by many musicians who do not have contracts with major record labels, as well as writers, theatre collectives, and teaching and research projects in the visual arts.
It is, in fact, a form of collective patronage. The cultural project becomes viable thanks to partnerships with those who identify with it.
Below you can see an example of a project that was made possible thanks to anonymous investments from thousands of people. In the second part of this article, we present examples of cultural crowdfunding platforms in Portugal and Brazil.
In 2016, in Brazil, the OÁ gallery, located in Vitória, Espírito Santo, joined the crowdfunding platform with the Cá Entre Nós project, aimed at promoting local artistic creation.
An artist represented by the gallery, Fredone Fone, was tasked with producing a street painting project. He then proposed that the work be carried out by artists from the community itself. The project, valued at 3,000 reais, raised 3,740 reais and enabled the purchase of all the materials needed to carry out the project.
In addition, those who contributed more than 30 reais received rewards such as prints and paintings.
Examples of crowdfunding platforms
Examples of some crowdfunding platforms that offer different forms of financing for cultural projects — from one-off donations to recurring support, with or without rewards, and in flexible or conditional models.
Crowdfunding4Culture is a European initiative launched by the European Commission to explore how crowdfunding can support the cultural and creative sectors. It provides studies, guidelines, and good practices to encourage collaboration between creators, audiences, and platforms. MORE
Kickstarter (International) – One of the largest crowdfunding platforms worldwide, widely used by creative industries, including art, film, and cultural innovation. MORE
WhyDonate – Offers a platform with 0% fees, ideal for cultural projects, with an intuitive interface and efficient support. MORE
In conclusion
Crowdfunding has become a solid and participatory alternative to support cultural projects. Beyond funding, it strengthens audience engagement and opens new ways to create and share culture.
Fátima Muralha
Graduated in History – Art History from the Universidade Nova of Lisbon. Post-Graduate in Management and Promotion of Heritage by the UAL. Specialised in Management of Cultural Projects. Various training courses and a specialisation course regarding Promoting Heritage, Conservation & Restoration, Museum studies and Vocational Training. Coordinator in multiple projects linked to Historical and Artistic Heritage, educational and vocational training projects in various entities. Author of several publications and communications. Creator and coordinator of the development of virtual content of the project: History | Art | Culture.
Rute Ferreira
I am an art teacher with a background in theater, art history and museology. I’m also specialized in Distance Education and I work in basic education. I write regularly on the Citaliarestauro.com blog and the Dailyartmagazine.com. I firmly believe that the history of art is the true history of humanity.
