The Artist's General Benevolent Institution

Thank you for visiting the website of The AGBI.

Please be aware, we only accept applications from professional fine artists who are unable to work due to accident, serious illness or old age. Regrettably, The AGBI cannot help commercial artists or students, and we are unable to help with cancellations of sales or exhibitions.

If you work in the art world but do not meet our criteria, we will do our best to signpost you to organisations that may be able to help.

If you have any questions, please call us on 020 7734 1193 or email info@agbi.org.uk

Update around the Corona Virus Outbreak

Due to the current situation facing the UK, our small office is closed and our team are working from home. Due to the high volume of enquiries we are currently receiving, responses may be slower than normal. Therefore, if you are a professional artist in difficulty may we please ask for your patience during these challenging times.

Many thanks. AGBI

Who we are

The Artists’ General Benevolent Institution (AGBI) was founded in 1814 by members of the Royal Academy of Arts including J.M.W Turner, John Constable and John Soane and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1842, it is one of the oldest charities in the United Kingdom.

The AGBI is run by a Council of practicing artists, applied artists, art custodians and medical professionals who give their time freely and meet regularly to discuss cases. The Council is supported by a small team of staff.

Who do we help?

The AGBI financially supports professional fine artists in need and their dependents living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland who cannot work or earn due to accident, illness or older age. Professional fine artists (e.g painters and sculptors), can apply for help if they have earned their living (or major part of it) from art. Widows and orphaned children of artists are also eligible for help. Unfortunately, the AGBI is unable to assist in cases when an artist is unable to find a market for their work. The AGBI is unable to assist with legal fees or education costs for mature students.

Our Patron

The Prince of Wales

By kind permission of the photographer Hugo Burnand

The Trustees and Council of the Artists' General Benevolent Institution are pleased to announce that HRH The Prince of Wales has very graciously agreed to continue as the AGBI's Patron for a further term.

The Trustees remain grateful to the Prince for his continued support.

The Prince of Wales

By kind permission of the photographer Hugo Burnand

Case studies

Read the story of how we've helped several artists who have found themselves in need.

Bicentenary print

42 leading British artists have contributed to the making of a limited edition print celebrating our bicentenary.

Our impact

Read about our performance and the number of artists we've supported. You can also download our Annual Reports, and our yearly Impact Reports.

How to help

The recipients of our support rely on your donations, and you can donate directly from our how to help page.

There are many ways that you can help us continue the work we've done for over 200 years by donations, legacies and Gift Aid.

Artists' charity cards

Due to the current Covid-19 situation and the logistical problems that this will give us, the AGBI has decided not to produce any Christmas cards this year. We will however be re-launching new, and some old favourite, cards for Christmas 2021.

Get in contact

Click here to find our contact details and the AGBI postal address.

Are you able to support?

We're one of the UK's oldest charities, and we rely on your donations to assist artists who are facing financial hardship. We are able to accept single donations, or donations that repeat every month, and many of our generous benefactors support us with legacies in their wills. If you'd like to find out more, please follow this link to see how you can help.

Helping professional artists for more than 200 years

CONTACT

Artists' General Benevolent Institution
Burlington House
Piccadilly
London
W1J 0BB

020 7734 1193

NAVIGATION

About Us
Case Studies
Bicentenary Print
Impact Detail
How to Help
Contact

Our Privacy Policy
Our Cookie Policy

The Artists’ General Benevolent Institution (AGBI) was founded in 1814 by members of the Royal Academy of Arts including J.M.W Turner, John Constable and John Soane and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1842, it is one of the oldest charities in the United Kingdom. The AGBI financially supports professional artists in need and their dependents living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland who cannot work or earn due to accident, illness or older age.

Registered Charity Number: 212667

Helping professional artists for more than 200 years

About Us
Case Studies
Bicentenary Print
Impact Detail
How to Help
Contact

Our Privacy Policy
Our Cookie Policy