Feasibility study on impact investing in the cultural and creative sectors.
Amsterdam, April 17, 2025 – Today, DOEN Participaties presents a feasibility study on impact investing in the cultural and creative sectors. Researchers Arthur Steiner and Martijn Blom conducted the study on behalf of DOEN Participaties B.V. The research reveals that impact investors are increasingly interested in investing in entrepreneurial cultural projects that use imagination to demonstrate that a different world is possible. At the same time, cultural entrepreneurs, designers, and artists are increasingly recognizing the need to explore alternative financing models beyond cultural subsidies and philanthropy.
The study outlines various options:
- Investing in cultural spaces – Impact investors can assist cultural organizations with financing to acquire collective ownership of buildings and land or to fund renovation and construction projects. This strengthens the long-term sustainability of art centers, music venues, heritage sites, and other cultural hubs.
- Investing in creative productions – Impact investors can deploy financial instruments to fund film productions, documentaries, theater, music, indie games, and large-scale art projects.
- Investing in cultural enterprises – Impact investors can support innovative cultural companies, such as music labels, ethical fashion brands, design studios, and startups working with AI, music, design, and VR for a broad audience.
Mirjam Niessen, Impact Investing Principal at DOEN Participaties: “There is currently no (impact) investment fund for the cultural sector in Europe. Meanwhile, there are many talented creative entrepreneurs who have limited options when it comes to financing types. We’re looking for enterprises that combine impact and creative value, built on a solid business model. It’s crucial that we explore the intersection of impact, creative value, and business models. We want to meet these teams and help them by providing long-term financing in the form of investment, not a donation. We believe that investment can help some entrepreneurs make their ventures more impactful and creative.”
