Arts
Investing in cultural legacy, access and creative opportunity
Our mission is to ensure that culture is shared, supported and sustained for the benefit of all. From supporting the legacy of seminal artists like Francis Bacon and Henry Moore to reimagining access to art for the public, Gatsby’s commitment translates into long-term partnerships and cultural impact.
A family commitment to patronage of the arts
In 1973, Robert and Lisa Sainsbury gifted the University of East Anglia (UEA) their collection of several hundred paintings, drawings, and sculptures – some up to 5,000 years old – from around the world. Their generosity ensured that these masterpieces could be enjoyed by students, scholars and the public alike. Gatsby helped realise their vision through support for the iconic Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts — a symbol of accessible and inspirational design.
To fully realise the goal of improving access to cultural experiences through public collections and architectural excellence, the university needed a new building to house the collection. And so, David Sainsbury accompanied his father Robert on a tour across the UK searching for an architect with the required vision and imagination. Their search ended at the Olsen passenger terminal in London’s docklands, designed by the-then relatively unknown Norman Foster.
Broadening access to the arts
Supporting artistic excellence
Preserving cultural heritage
Supporting young artists and musicians
The Sainsburys commissioned Foster and he designed the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. David, through Gatsby, helped fund its construction. Gatsby continues to support the Centre and two other institutions founded at UEA by Robert and Lisa: The Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures; and The Sainsbury Research Unit for the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas.
David and his wife Susie have the same commitment as Robert and Lisa to supporting young artists and making the arts available to all. As such, at Columbia University – where David studied for his MBA – Gatsby has helped fund the Arts Initiative, which aims to engage all students in the arts, regardless of which academic subjects they are studying.
In the future, Gatsby will continue to support the organisations and initiatives it has built long relationships with, while occasionally funding new projects in harmony with the Trustees’ passions and aims.
Elevating the role of the arts in society
From the Chamber Orchestra of Europe’s youth engagement to the Royal Shakespeare Company’s artist development and landmark theatre redevelopment, Gatsby backs initiatives that fuse excellence with outreach. We aim to ensure the continued vitality of iconic cultural institutions, champion emerging artists, support the future of live performance, and preserve the UK’s cultural heritage for future generations.