The programme is another example of wealth management firms around the world sponsoring arts and cultural events as a way of broadcasting their brands and connecting with clients.

The UK wealth management firm, JM Finn, is celebrating its partnership with Affordable Art Fair UK by sponsoring an award of £5,000 ($6,081) – yet another case of a private bank or wealth firm sponsoring culture and the arts.

The award aims to support an outstanding graduate artist with studio costs at a critical moment in their career. The award is significant, given that the cost of studio fees is one of the biggest obstacles emerging artists face today.

“We believe in financial freedom and security, to pursue what truly matters to you. Supporting this award for young and upcoming artists reflects our mantra and dedication to empowering emerging talent as they follow their passions by embarking on a career in the art world,” Oliver Tregoning, marketing head of JM Finn, said. 

The London-based artist and graduate of the Royal College of Art’s MA Photography programme, Aisha Seriki, is the first winner of the JM Finn graduate artist award. She specialises in fine art photography. Seriki was selected for the award by a panel of judges from Affordable Art Fair and JM Finn, chosen from the six graduate artists featured in the fair’s 2023 recent graduates’ exhibition – An Intimate Vocabulary – for her exceptional talent, skill and dedication to her craft. 

“Aisha’s practice and networks will thrive with a professional studio, not just in technical development, but also socially and conceptually. As a working-class artist who has grown up in South London, through her work she has great potential to represent the UK and African artists not just in the realm of fine art, but I also believe in editorial and moving image across film and music.” Nephertiti Oboshie Schandorf, the exhibition’s curator commented. 

The programme is another example of wealth management firms around the world sponsoring arts and cultural events as a way of broadcasting their brands and connecting with clients. Examples include EFG International, sponsor of The Gramophone Classical Music Awards, Banca del Fucino in Italy and its support of the Teatro dell’Opera in Rome, Julius Baer supporting the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, and French bank Societe Generale with its music sponsorship programme.    

Photo: Left to right: Oliver Tregoning, head of marketing at JM Finn; artist Aisha Seriki; Karen Lau, senior investment manager at JM Finn; Hugo Barclay, fair director of Affordable Art Fair UK.