The Supporting Act Foundation
About us

Creating opportunities for those making meaningful impacts in the arts

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About us

The Supporting Act Foundation is a self-governing non-profit organization established by WeTransfer in 2021 to foster diversity in the arts and create better opportunities for marginalized groups. We help emerging artists and artist-led organizations fulfill their potential, develop their practices and projects, and drive positive change in their communities and in society. 

Our grant programs were launched in 2022, following in-depth research with Barcelona-based creative lab IAM. These programs seek to address the challenges that face those under-represented in the arts, from lack of resources to lack of opportunities, nurturing new voices and perspectives to transform the sector, and society, for the better. Throughout our activities, we cultivate a trust-based approach, giving artists and organizations the space they need to pursue their goals. 

Today, The Supporting Act Foundation has completed two open calls, awarding grants to a diverse range of artists and artist-led organizations, who are already making real impacts around social, intersectional, and environmental justice. Head to the Grantees page to meet them, or to the Approach page to find out more about how we work, and why.

If you’d like to help us in delivering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts—and meaningful change in society—we’d love to hear from you.

Supported by WeTransfer

WeTransfer has long been committed to giving back to its global creative community, donating 30% of all advertising space to support artists; speaking out on pressing issues like climate change; and establishing the world’s first free Master’s program in partnership with the University of the Underground.

To celebrate our launch, the company donated €1 million to The Supporting Act Foundation, pledging a further 1% of annual revenue each year plus access to its global advertising and editorial platforms.

Team

Jenne Meerman

Director

Andres Colmenares

Strategy & Facilitation Support

John Jervis

Copywriter

Tessa Pauw

Project Manager

Stephen O'Neill

Designer

The board

Damian Bradfield

Chair

Chief Creative and Sustainability Officer, WeTransfer Trustee, Sarabande Trustee, University of the Underground

Beatrix Ruf

Director, Hartwig Art Foundation Scientific Committee, Fondazione per l'Arte Moderna e 
Contemporanea CRT Acquisition Committee, La CAIXA Foundation Board Member, Between Bridges Foundation Board Member, Zentrum für künstlerische Nachlässe Zürich Selection Committee, THE MONDRIAN INITIATIVE College Member, LUMA Foundation Strategic Director, Art Verbier Scientific Committee, La CAIXA Collection

Tala Madani

Contemporary Artist Board Member, MOCA LA Artist Council, Hammer Museum

Marleen van Thienen

Treasurer

Partner, Water Tower Private Office LLP Board Member, Stichting Max Foundation

Martine Wubben

Secretary

Senior Legal Counsel Data, Technology & Privacy, Heineken International

Annual Report

Annual Report 2022

Get in touch

Before reaching out it’s a good idea to check our FAQs. We’re a small team and may not be able to respond to every inquiry.

Stichting WeTransfer’s Supporting Act Foundation Keizersgracht 281 1016 ED Amsterdam The Netherlands KVK: 82599254 RSIN: 8625 34 021 Standaardformulier publicatieplicht The Supporting Act Foundation is an ANBI

Welcome to The Supporting Act Foundation.

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