Ed Vaizey launches The Big Arts Give

Philanthropists have been urged to offer more support to the UK's arts world by a new charity campaign.

The Big Arts Give initiative was launched by culture minister Ed Vaizey and non-profit organisation Arts & Business yesterday (May 26th) with the aim of raising at least GBP 3 million by Christmas this year.

As part of the pilot, arts charities will ask their trustees and major donors to make pledges towards a matched funding goal. If this target is met, the organisation will be able to apply to have their donations doubled by the scheme's fund.

Mr Vaizey commented: 'I think the Arts & Business Big Arts Give is a terrific idea and I hope, in particular, that it will unlock additional funding for some of our smaller cultural bodies.'

Colin Tweedy, chief executive of Arts & Business, added that the scheme is designed to create a long-term source of funding for cultural organisations, rather than acting as a 'quick fix'.

Earlier this year, Arts & Business launched Creative Strategy: Reconnecting Business and Innovation by Chris Bilton and Steven Cummings, which examines how commerce and culture can complement each other.