The Lucy Phillips Arts Fund

A new arts fund is set up for Leicester, Leicestershire &
Rutland in memory of cultural leader

A new fund to support Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland artists and creatives is being set up in memory of a leading cultural leader who died earlier this year. The Lucy Phillips Arts Fund is launching a fundraising campaign to raise money to support people and charitable and community organisations working in the visual arts, printmaking, ceramics, music, theatre, film, comedy, dance and other art forms. The money will support activities that champion and celebrate the arts, as well as artistic collaborations and activities that develop the leadership skills of artists, and which reach people and communities who might find it difficult to access the arts or arts training. It is also hoped the fund will support activities at Leicester Print Workshop, the centre of excellence for fine art printing in the East Midlands, where Lucy was previously the Director.. Details of the fund, and the opportunity to pledge money is available by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-lucy-phillips-arts-fund

Lucy Phillips moved to Leicester in 2000 and was known for her creativity, intelligence, compassion, community spirit, and openness. She was a hugely popular leader of arts and culture in Leicester and across the East Midlands. She was an enthusiastic advocate for new and diverse artists and arts organisations. She had worked as an international fundraiser for Home Start, chaired the Aakash Odedra Dance Company, ran a ceramics festival and put her creative talent behind numerous arts initiatives. Her recent role at Nottingham Trent University introduced her to more cultural organisations and artists – and earned her much love and respect. Lucy was also a key member of Leicester’s bid to become UK City of Culture in 2017.
Lucy had recently become a musician, part of the Unglamourous female punk movement, and developed a new fan base with her band, The Boilers. Lucy was a much-loved friend, family member and colleague, who touched the lives of many people. Lucy’s husband, Chris Evans, said “Lucy had a deep well of knowledge and empathy which she willingly passed on to others, either through mentoring or just informal advice. Her love of the arts and her enthusiasm to make things happen was apparent to everyone she met, and this fund is a fitting tribute to someone whose life and work touched so many.”

Leicester Comedy Festival Founder Geoff Rowe, who is a member of the Arts Fund panel, said “since Lucy passed away so many people have commented on how they would like an opportunity to help sustain the work she did and the impact she made on so many people. Lucy was passionate about the arts and we hope to raise enough to ensure we can support artists and organisations in her name.”
The Lucy Phillips Arts Fund panel includes Lucy’s friends and members of her family. The money which is raised will be managed by the Leicester & Leicestershire Community Foundation, a registered charity which enables families, individuals, businesses and public agencies to give grants to local needs, easily, securely and with impact. It is expected that the first grants will be given out later this year.