The Jim and Helen Ede Fund Endowment Campaign
Extraordinary Vision and Philanthropy
Kettle’s Yard was built through Jim and Helen Ede’s extraordinary vision and philanthropy, giving not only their collection, but their home to the University of Cambridge. This vision has evolved into what today is a major centre for modern and contemporary art in the UK. Built on the foundations of what the Edes created, Kettle’s Yard is a place where everyone can belong, be creative, and find enjoyment through art.
Inspired by the Edes’ spirit of generosity, we want to enrich more lives through sharing Kettle’s Yard. We want to collaborate and connect with the people we serve, from artists to students and researchers, to local communities and schools, and through our welcome to visitors from the UK and around the world. To do this, we must strengthen our foundations. Our aim is to raise £5 million by the end of 2027, our 70th Anniversary year. This will almost double our existing endowment.
We hope everyone who cares for and is inspired by Kettle’s Yard will help us to achieve this ambition.
I felt strongly my need to give to others these things which have so much been given to me.
—Jim Ede
Transformative change: what the campaign will achieve
A £5m increase in our endowment to mark and celebrate our 70th anniversary in 2027 will enable us to:
Endow the post of Senior Curator: House and Collection
This key post will be secured in perpetuity, ensuring the house and collection is always the beating heart of Kettle’s Yard: a place of inspiration, creativity and a catalyst for new research.
Commission new art and music each year
Jim and Helen were friends with and supported some of the pioneering artists of their day. Helen was also friends with musicians and loved piano music. The Fund will give us the resources to commission artists and composers to make new work to be premiered at Kettle’s Yard.
Provide guaranteed annual funding for our work with local communities, schools and young people
Our vital community and learning programme is funded through one off project grants, by their nature short term and insecure. The Jim and Helen Ede Fund will provide dedicated annual funding, enabling us to plan ahead and deepen our impact.
Why does Kettle’s Yard need to increase its endowment?
The University of Cambridge and Arts Council England support Kettle’s Yard through annual grants which only cover 44% of our running costs. To make up the rest, we rely on earned income and the generosity of trusts, foundations and many wonderful individual and corporate supporters. Going forward we need your help to make vital elements of Kettle’s Yard permanent, allowing us to grow and develop with the knowledge that, no matter what, we can look after the house, support artists, and inspire our community.
How you can support the Jim & Helen Ede Fund
Major Gifts
As we approach the halfway point of the campaign, we are inviting significant contributions of £50,000 and above from our most generous supporters. These major gifts are crucial in helping us reach our ambitious target and secure the long-term future of Kettle’s Yard.
Naming Opportunities
We are delighted to offer a limited number of exceptionally rare naming opportunities for gifts of £650,000 and above. These include the chance to name a gallery, room, or garden space, an extraordinary way to leave a lasting legacy at Kettle’s Yard.
Artists for Kettle’s Yard
In 2026, we will present Artists for Kettle’s Yard, a landmark fundraising exhibition and auction in support of the Jim & Helen Ede Fund. All proceeds will go directly towards the endowment.
You can support this major event by:
- Donating a work of art to be included in the exhibition and auction
- Purchasing a work, either on-site at Kettle’s Yard or through our auction in partnership with Sotheby’s during their June 2026 Modern British Art Sale
- Contributing towards the costs of staging the exhibition itself
This special event will be a joyful celebration of modern and contemporary art and a vital moment for the campaign.
Corporate Partnerships
We warmly welcome interest from corporate supporters who wish to partner with Kettle’s Yard and play a visible role in this transformational campaign. Please contact us to request further details about our tailored corporate giving opportunities.
Become a Patron
By donating £1,500 – £3,000 per annum you can become a Kettle’s Yard Patron, joining a community of likeminded individuals committed to supporting Kettle’s Yard’s mission of making great art accessible to all. To become a Patron please contact the Development Team: development@kettlesyard.cam.ac.uk / 01223 761436.
Donate now
To make a donation or learn more about how you can support the Jim & Helen Ede Fund, please contact: Holly Kavanagh, Senior Associate Director, Kettle’s Yard.
