Support the Lucy Phillips Arts Fund

Funds are being raised in memory of Lucy Phillips, a much-loved friend, family member and arts leader who touched the lives of many people. Lucy died unexpectedly in spring 2024 and the fund is being launched on her 55th birthday in tribute to her life and legacy, to support people to develop their creative talent.

The fund has been set up in Lucy's name by a panel of her friends and family. The money which is raised will be managed by a charitable organisation, Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Community Foundation and donation receipts will come from them.

The money raised will support people working in the visual arts, printmaking, ceramics, music, theatre, film, comedy, dance and other art forms, in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. It will support activities that champion and celebrate the arts, as well as artistic collaborations and activities that develop the leadership skills of artists. It is also intended the fund will support artist activities at Leicester Print Workshop, the centre of excellence for fine art printing in the East Midlands, where Lucy was previously the Director.

Lucy Phillips 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. Lucy 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 Unglamorous female punk movement, and developed a new fan base with her band, The Boilers.

Lucy always had time for others and the fund will be used to support the kinds of arts initiatives she loved. It is expected that the first grants will be given out later this year. You can get involved in fundraising in many ways. Lucy had a love of the ridiculous, so any idea goes! Some ways you could raise money for the Lucy Phillips Arts Fund include:

• Make a cash donation

• Organise a fundraising event like a Bake Off

• Hold a quiz night and ask for entry/ donations (Lucy loved

quizzes!)

• Organise a gig or performance and donate the ticket price

• Seek sponsorship for a run, walk, dance – whatever you enjoy

• Organise an art show and donate the proceeds

• Declutter to sell unwanted items/ clothing and donate the

income

• Ask for donations not presents for your birthday or anniversary

Thank you!