The Genesis Foundation was founded by John Studzinski and has supported thousands of artists in their career development since 2001. Through its partnership model, it provides opportunities for talented artists, principally in theatre and music.

“The Genesis Foundation will continue to focus on partnerships that create long-standing results and relationships.”

– John Studzinski

The Foundation’s focus is on partnerships with leading arts organisations including the Almeida Theatre, National Theatre, Young Vic and The Sixteen, and on training initiatives – the Genesis Theatre Design programme, and the Genesis Future Curators programme at the Royal Academy of Arts – that equip emerging artists for life as a creative professional. 

It also awards the bi-annual Genesis Foundation Prize, the only arts award to focus on mentors and the vital role they play in an artist’s development.

In 2020, in response to the pandemic, the Genesis Foundation provided paid work for 1,000 freelance creative professionals across the UK through its £1 million Genesis Kickstart Fund. 

“The idea behind Genesis is very much about nurturing young artists. It’s not about sponsoring individual plays or art shows. It boils down to someone showing trust in you, mentoring you and developing you.”

– John Studzinski