The International Body of Art (IBA) has unveiled a pioneering platform, Projects, designed to support underrepresented artists and connect them with potential funders. This new initiative aims to address significant disparities in the art world, where underrepresentation and financial barriers often impede the careers of many talented artists.
Projects is the first platform of its kind, created to provide crucial financial support and visibility for artists who struggle to gain recognition within the traditional art institutions. According to IBA’s proprietary research, 26% of artists have had to abandon their careers due to financial constraints, and 29% of ethnic minority artists feel that their white peers have more opportunities for career advancement. The platform aims to bridge this gap by facilitating direct connections between artists and donors.
The need for such a platform is underscored by troubling statistics. Funding from Arts Council England for UK artists fell by £5.2 million annually between 2008 and 2019, with ethnic minority, working-class, and female artists being disproportionately affected. Additionally, the art sector remains highly homogeneous, with Smithsonian data revealing that 85% of artists in permanent collections are white and 87% are men.
Maria Artool, CEO of IBA, commented on the launch: “With Projects, we are tackling a critical issue in the art world. Our platform not only supports underrepresented artists but also creates a community that values diversity and innovation. This is more than just funding; it’s about reshaping the art landscape and giving voice to those who have been historically marginalized.”
Projects provides a unique model for engagement, allowing funders to contribute to various artistic endeavors with options ranging from £5 to £1,100. Each contribution is rewarded with personalized incentives, such as signed thank-you notes, private preview invitations, one-on-one Q&A calls, or even exclusive sessions with artists. This bespoke approach ensures that backers receive a meaningful connection to the projects they support.
April Kelly, IBA’s project manager, explained the platform’s goals: “Our aim with Projects is to offer a space where artists can experiment and take risks without the constraints imposed by traditional art institutions. We’ve seen firsthand how liberating this can be for artists, and we want to extend this freedom to as many underrepresented creators as possible.”
The platform also highlights a pressing issue within the art world’s financial ecosystem. Separate reports show that only 7.9% of professionals in the creative industries come from working-class backgrounds. The barriers to entry in the art world—low-paid jobs, poor working conditions, and a culture of nepotism—deter many from pursuing a career in the field.
Artists featured on the Projects platform include Malik Marble and Tiffany Singh. Marble, whose project “If I Died 2NITE” will debut on the platform, stated, “IBA provides the opportunity for artists to be true to themselves. This project is about personal and artistic integrity, free from the constraints of larger institutions.”
Singh’s project, “Vermillion Rising,” represents a new paradigm of artmaking. Singh praised IBA’s approach, saying, “Working alongside IBA has been an empowering experience. It’s a space that encourages originality and allows me to work outside traditional frameworks.”
By offering a direct and transparent way to support emerging artists, Projects aims to transform how art is funded and appreciated. The platform invites art lovers and collectors to play an active role in shaping the future of the art world, making them an integral part of the creative process.
For more information about the Projects platform and to explore the featured artist projects, visit IBA’s Projects page.