WeFund

WeFund is a new crowd-funding platform that helps new creative projects to gain funding by swapping perks for pledges.

PERKS FOR PLEDGES

Launched in October 2010 by former lawyer and internet entrepreneur, Michael Troughton, WeFund was set up in response to public funding cuts to the arts sector. Its goal is to create lots of mini-patrons and, through their collective power, get new projects off the ground. In this time of austerity, WeFund is a great way to support the UK's creative community. Browse the site to find a wide range of creative projects, filed across sectors including, art, design, journalism, music, fashion, theatre and more.

SUPPORT THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY

Each project is accompanied by a video ‘pitch' and detailed summary of what is involved and where any funding would be spent. Down the right hand side of each project are details of what different pledges will get you - for example, while a donation of £1 to a new theatre production of Richard III will get you a thank you in the programme and on the website; for a donation of £1000 or more you can expect an Executive Patronage credit and advert in the programme and on the website, six tickets to Richard III, signed programmes, VIP seats, dinner with the director before the show, and a backstage tour and drinks with the cast after the performance.

FIND FUNDING

Funding for creative projects is hard to come by, but by using crowd funding - whether you're starting a new magazine, or trying to record a new album - you can benefit from partronage, but on a micro scale, while involving lots of people in your project. WeFund is an exciting idea and just shows, that even without the support of the government, we can flourish.

18 March 2011