Goldsmiths, University of London, has received a transformative £6 million gift from philanthropist Peter Kellner, aiming to strengthen its renowned art school during a financially challenging time. The donation includes both an unrestricted financial contribution and a valuable art collection, providing the university with critical flexibility. Unlike many traditional philanthropic gifts that are earmarked for specific uses, this donation allows Goldsmiths to allocate the funds where they are needed most covering operational costs, supporting students, and preserving the institution’s creative legacy.

The university hopes this generous and open-ended model will inspire others in the philanthropic space to rethink how they give. Rather than tying donations to new buildings or named projects, flexible funding offers universities the breathing room to address pressing and evolving needs. With arts education often underfunded and vulnerable, this donation serves as a timely example of how strategic, unrestricted giving can help institutions not only survive but thrive.

This landmark gift also highlights the broader impact of modern philanthropy in higher education. As public funding for the arts continues to decline, private donors are playing an increasingly crucial role in sustaining creative disciplines. By entrusting Goldsmiths with full discretion over the funds, Kellner emphasizes confidence in the institution’s leadership and mission setting a precedent for more trust-based philanthropy that prioritizes long-term resilience over short-term visibility.

Read the full article on Financial Times