Crowdfunding is not a new concept, but with new micropayment technologies and social networks, and in times of crisis, the industry is booming. The “crowd” is crucial. It is all about getting small contributions from a big number of people. Supporters become part of the project, as they get some kind of reward in exchange for their support.

So, how can the crowd step in and support cultural initiatives or artistic careers? What does it mean for culture to have the support of the crowd, and what does it mean for the crowd to support culture?

Crowdfunding can be combined with public funding, as on Swedish CrowdCulture, where the members influence the public cultural spending by voting on their preferred projects. Currently, three regions have made a part of their cultural budget available on CrowdCulture, to support smaller initiatives and to explore whether citizens' influence on the cultural spending will bring culture closer to the citizens. (CrowdCulture is in the semifinal for the Swedish eGovernment awards 2012 – fingers crossed!)

The crowd can also become shareholders, as on Dutch TenPages.com, a platform for writers to present their manuscripts and for book lovers to buy shares in the books they would like to see published. CineCrowd is another Dutch platform, to help film makers raise support for their projects. Film makers can present their project ideas, and get immediate response from the audience.

Can you crowdfund heritage? Archeologists are also looking at crowdfunding as a way to get the public on board to save endangered sites worldwide. Right now (April  2012), DigVentures is crowdfunding the Flag Fen project (UK), where supporters get the chance to join the field work alongside experienced archeologists. A dream come true for many enthousiasts, and indeed, a way to get the public – us, the crowd - involved in cultural heritage.

Can you crowdfund a European Capital of Culture? Certainly as a complement to the official programme budget, they think in Umeå in Northen Sweden, and recently launched a Umeå 2014 campaign page on FundedByMe. This is a way to finance independent projects that are in line with the aims of Umeå 2014: to strenghten the city and the region, to strengthen the role of culture and European cooperation.

Can the crowd provide the oxygen that is needed for art to breathe, to survive? Financial support is also moral support. In 2011, the Belarus Free Theatre sucessfully raised funds on Sponsume, to create a sustainable basis for their continued work in exile.

We could make the list longer...

Do you want to share other examples with us, or share your own experiences of crowdfunding? Then simply leave a comment, or get in touch with us!