Our Values
The AGBI is an artist-led benevolent fund.
Our values underline our commitment to our applicants, donors, staff, and members. We outline the following as our core values.
Artist-led
Visual artists are at the centre of all that we do. The AGBI operates with a unique understanding of the complex challenges faced by visual artists in need. Being artist-led means drawing from the breadth of knowledge and artist’s perspectives of our Trustees and Artists Council. We develop programmes specifically for visual artists and believe that the power to make positive change exists within our community.
Discretion and Integrity
AGBI staff, Trustees and Committee Members operate with discretion and integrity. We provide confidential support and do not disclose details of who, why or how we have supported applicants. Upholding these values gives our applicants the confidence they need when asking for support.
Agency
We uphold the agency of the visual artists who apply and support them through difficult times with grant giving, medical consultations, information and peer-to-peer support sessions. We believe it is important for visual artists to maintain autonomy over their lives and our support helps them to help themselves. We do not provide instruction or conditions to our applicants.
Person-centred
Our applicants face challenges unique to themselves, and no two applicants are the same. The AGBI operates with openness and empathy for every individual circumstance that is shared with us. We take time to listen to our applicants, we do not judge any applicant and we communicate with authenticity, empathy and kindness. We recognise our responsibility to create a safe environment for sharing to take place and for trust to build. We are privileged to hear the artist’s life stories which they choose to share with the AGBI.
Inclusivity and Diversity
We support visual artists regardless of their background or their identities. We recognise the existing structures within the art world that are tied to specific identities and how they act as barriers to marginalised groups. We are changing how we learn and how we raise our awareness with under-represented groups to support all visual artists in need who meet our criteria.