FEDORA - Rethinking Cultural Philanthropy: A Call to Action from Our President Stéphane Argyropoulos in Les Echos

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Rethinking Cultural Philanthropy: A Call to Action from Our President Stéphane Argyropoulos in Les Echos

As the cultural sector across Europe faces unprecedented financial and artistic challenges, Les Echos invited Stéphane Argyropoulos, President of FEDORA, to share his perspective on how cultural philanthropy must evolve to meet the demands of a changing world.

Stéphane delivers a clear message in his editorial: the performing arts must reinvent its approach to supporting culture. With public subsidies shrinking and traditional programming dominating most stages, the risk-averse model that once sustained major institutions is limiting innovation and accessibility.

“Let’s apply the same logic to culture as we do to the economy: support young talents like start-ups, embrace risk, and act as incubators for new creations,” he urges.

Our President underlines the importance of hybrid funding models that blend public support with private philanthropy, endowment funds, and cross-border giving. Tools such as crowdfunding and matching funds are essential to build a more diverse and resilient financial base for the performing arts.

More than just financial survival, this shift is about ensuring artistic relevance, sustainability, and inclusion. Philanthropy must champion new voices, interdisciplinary work, and environmentally conscious production models, all while expanding access for wider audiences.

We at FEDORA, are happy to encourage collective efforts at a European level to drive transformation across the cultural landscape in Europe.