J. P. Morgan Signs Signature Series With Leading Arts Institutions

J.P. Morgan has today announced the J.P. Morgan Signature Series, a new collaboration bringing together three of the UK’s leading arts organisations renowned for the quality, scope and reach of their work. The firm has committed £600,000 to the one year programme, which aims to support the ongoing work of the National Portrait Gallery, National Theatre and Southbank Centre while also creating an extensive programme of activities for the firm’s clients and guests.
According to J.P. Morgan, The J.P. Morgan Signature Series will provide access to remarkable performances, exhibitions and the people who make these experiences possible. The partnership is a way for the arts and business to connect. It provides the firm with opportunities to network with clients, and enables the arts organisations to meet with current and future patrons.
“We are proud supporters of the arts and recognise the importance of collaboration between cultural institutions and the UK business community,” said Daniel Pinto, CEO for J.P. Morgan in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “This initiative provides a platform for us to make new connections and deepen existing relationships. We are sure that our clients will be as inspired as we are by the work of these three outstanding organisations.”
J.P. Morgan has long-established relationships with all three organisations. Over the last 50 years, its financial support has enabled: the commissioning of eight new portraits at the National Portrait Gallery, the staging of two new plays at the National Theatre, the development of a dedicated learning and participation space as part of the refurbishment of the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, and numerous education and community initiatives.
Jude Kelly OBE, Artistic Director, Southbank Centre said, “Southbank Centre is delighted to be further extending its longstanding relationship with J.P. Morgan through the Signature Series. It is exhilarating to be joining this innovative partnership with the National Theatre and National Portrait Gallery. We look forward to welcoming J.P. Morgan Signature Series clients to experience a great variety of unique events and exceptional work.”
Carol Lake, Head of EMEA Philanthropy & Sponsorship commented, “J.P. Morgan is honoured to be working with the National Portrait Gallery, National Theatre and Southbank Centre who combine accessibility and excellence. The J.P. Morgan Signature Series reflects our deep commitment to their future and makes a very visible statement as a patron, which we hope will resonate with others who support and value the arts.”
Nick Starr, Executive Director, National Theatre said, “We are delighted to be part of the J.P. Morgan’s Signature Series partnership programme, alongside the National Portrait Gallery and Southbank Centre. Support from companies like J.P. Morgan is now more vital than ever, and its commitment and belief in the value of the arts to our society is hugely impressive.”
Sandy Nairne CBE, Director, National Portrait Gallery said, “In recent years, J.P. Morgan’s partnership has made a huge difference to our work. Being one of the Signature Series partners alongside Southbank Centre and the National Theatre is an exciting next step for the National Portrait Gallery, opening up new opportunities to enrich the dialogue between the arts and business.”
In addition to funding for the J.P. Morgan Signature Series, the firm retains a commitment to philanthropic support for the arts with a particular focus on education and outreach. Funding in 2011 has focused on utilising collaboration as a means of finding efficient and impactful ways of working. Recently confirmed grants include: support for Plus Tate Learning – a programme developed in consultation with 18 visual arts organisation across the UK which aims to support the development of the visual arts, and broaden engagement with the wider community, and support for the production of Babel, the centrepiece theatrical event of World Stages London. Babel is a collaboration between the Battersea Arts Centre, Lyric Hammersmith, Theatre Royal Stratford East and the Young Vic; the four organisations will work in partnership with international theatre company, WildWorks to develop Babel.
J.P. Morgan’s financial commitment for the UK arts sector in 2011 will total more than £1m.