Donors and Supporters

Key Supporters 

University of York

We are proud of the University of York’s role in establishing and leading York Festival of Ideas. The Festival is an expression of the University’s commitment as a university for public good: through the Festival we demonstrate the major contribution of education to the economic, social and cultural vitality of York and Yorkshire. 

The University is pleased to support the Festival through the Higher Education Innovation Fund, which facilitates the communication of new knowledge and its benefits to society. 

Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor

The Holbeck Charitable Trust

The Holbeck Charitable Trust is once again delighted to support York Festival of Ideas as it continues to go from strength to strength.

The 2024 programme offers in many cases free access to a diverse range of in-person and online events, allowing people locally, nationally and worldwide to benefit from educating, entertaining and inspiring talks, workshops, performances and more.

We congratulate the Festival on its determination to remain as widely accessible as practicable.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) is an independent social change organisation whose mission is to inspire action and change to solve UK poverty. JRF is therefore delighted to support York Festival of Ideas in its ambition to provide a platform for informed debate on key contemporary issues through a programme of accessible events.

In collaboration with York Festival of Ideas, we are proud to present Festival Focus sessions on, Reimagining Wealth to Support a More Equitable and Just Future. 

 

Supporters and Donors

C & JB Morrell Trust and the Morrell Centre for Legal and Political Philosophy

The C and JB Morrell Trust is a core funder of the Festival. The Morrell Centre for Legal and Political Philosophy, which is generously supported by the Trust, is proud to sponsor a series of themed events on 2024: A new world order? The Centre is dedicated to legal and political philosophy with a particular focus on toleration as an idea and as a practice. 

York Civic Trust

The Civic Trust’s vision is ‘promoting heritage, shaping tomorrow’. We run a programme of activities for members and the public that explore both the past and the future of the city. We are pleased to support York Festival of Ideas and to present a series of events celebrating York’s trailblazers.

French Embassy in the UK

The Higher Education, Research and Innovation (ESRI) Department of the French Embassy in the United Kingdom is recognised as a partner for British Institutions and their French counterparts. The ESRI is very happy to work with York Festival of Ideas to present two events under the theme Driving Innovation that bring together leading academics from France and the UK.

Aviva

Aviva is one of the UK’s leading Insurance, Wealth and Retirement businesses. As one of the largest employers in York, we are delighted to sponsor York Festival of Ideas. 

The Institution of Engineering and Technology

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is the largest multidisciplinary professional engineering institution in the world. The North Yorkshire Network of the IET is a proud sponsor and collaborator of York Festival of Ideas. This year we will be supporting EV Charging Infrastructure: Ramping up rollout.

Jane Moody Fund

With thanks to the Jane Moody Fund for supporting Fool: In search of Henry VIII’s closet man. Professor Jane Moody, who died in 2011, was founding Director of the University of York’s Humanities Research Centre and co-founder of York Festival of Ideas.

Athena Swan

The Athena Swan Charter recognises the advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. The University of York was the first Yorkshire university to win the Athena Swan bronze award in recognition of its success in providing positive support for women scientists during their careers. The university has continued to hold a bronze award since 2006 and is now recognised for work undertaken to address gender equality and intersectionality more broadly. The University’s Athena Swan Steering Group is delighted to support Muslim Women and Misogyny.

Portakabin

Portakabin is a market leader in design, manufacture and installation of modular buildings, and a pioneer of advanced offsite construction. It has innovated, developed and delivered exceptional buildings, opening up possibilities for a huge variety of organisations, large and small. Portakabin is proud to support York Festival of Ideas.

Ron and Barbara Cooke

Ron and Barbara Cooke are delighted to support War Horse: The concert.

Lorna and David Foster

Lorna and David Foster are pleased to support Rêverie - The life and loves of Claude Debussy.

Elaine Gallagher 

Elaine Gallagher is delighted to support Rêverie - The life and loves of Claude Debussy.

Professor Phil Harris and Mrs Irene Harris 

Professor Phil Harris and Mrs Irene Harris are very pleased to support two handling artefacts sessions for blind and partially sighted people, hosted by archaeologist Julian Richards. 

Our thanks to those donors and supporters who wish to remain anonymous.

If you would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please email the Festival team at yorkfestivalofideas@york.ac.uk.