2022 - Present
Freelance Fundraiser -
Jenny Starr Fundraising
Working with a small portfolio of arts and cultural charity clients, on a one-off project or long-term basis. Specialising in:
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Bid writing and editing for UK public and private funders
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Building and managing fundraising pipelines
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Earned income strategies and trading model advice
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Practical & friendly support on strengthening financial diversity & sustainability, including fundraising Strategy creation and advice
2023 - 2025
Executive Director -
Society of Designer Craftsmen
Working with a small portfolio of arts and cultural charity clients, on a one-off project or long-term basis. Specialising in:
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Bid writing and editing for UK public and private funders
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Building and managing fundraising pipelines
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Earned income strategies and trading model advice
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Practical & friendly support on strengthening financial diversity & sustainability, including fundraising Strategy creation and advice
2015 - 2023
Development Manager -
Institute of International Visual Arts
Responsible for the strategic development of Iniva’s fundraising over 10 years. Navigating vast changes in public funding climate, a major re-location and 25th anniversary. Fundraising from private trusts, public sector, sponsorship and individual giving to support Iniva’s charitable mission to increase the representation of artists and the cultural engagement of audiences from culturally diverse backgrounds in the UK and internationally. Meeting specific financial targets for restricted and unrestricted income accounting for the majority of iniva’s annual turnover. The role includes cultivation of partners and audiences to increase the financial resilience of Iniva. Identification and application to multiple funders for core and match funding, includes managing independent evaluation and reporting, maintaining and cultivating good relationships with funders. Advising on the development of other earned income strands including art sales, publishing and consultancy.
2013 - 2015
Business Development Manager - Institute of International Visual Arts
Inaugural business development post holder for the publicly funded national portfolio organization, Iniva. Unique role responsible for the development and delivery of commercial activities using Iniva’s tangible and intangible assets to create charity appropriate income generating streams. Role funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. Working alongside the Head of Development to create profile building events and build new partnerships which develop a more varied audience for commercial activity. Role included end to end project management of publishing, limited edition production and advising on an art sales strategy.
2009 - 2013
Business Development Manager - Aaronson Noon Glassblowing Studio
Managed commercial projects at a leading contemporary glass gallery and glassblowing studio, enhancing the profile of artist Adam Aaronson. Grew the business in a challenging market by overseeing external exhibitions at global art fairs (SOFA New York/Chicago, Art London, Origin 2010), expanding the studio’s glass for interiors segment, and increasing online visibility. Developed and executed marketing and sales strategies, including a social media plan, while significantly expanding the private client and collector database.
2007 - 2009
Gallery Manager -
Selma Feriani Gallery
Managed the launch and ongoing success of a Mayfair gallery specialising in contemporary Middle Eastern and Arab Art. Oversaw gallery marketing, international brand presence, and revenue generation. Responsibilities included preparation for major art fairs (Art London, Art Dubai, Paris Photo), exhibition management, shipping logistics, artist liaison, press releases, and gallery advertising. Required in-depth knowledge of the contemporary art scene, particularly Middle Eastern art, and strong communication skills for a public-facing gallery environment.
Freelance and Permanent Position References available upon request.
Education
2006 - 2007
M.A. (Distinction 1.1) Art Gallery and Museum Studies
University of Leeds, UK
2002 - 2005
B.A. (Hons) 2.1 History and Politics
Newcastle University, UK
Skills & Expertise
Grant Writing
Funder Management
Funder Pipeline Development
Fundraising & Business Plan Strategy Creation