The charity, which has spent more than 20 years using creativity, music and culture to support communities affected by conflict, climate crisis and social injustice, also announced two major new appointments to its Board of Trustees.
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Festival founder Jo Vidler and philanthropic strategist Ruci Fixter will join the board as the Manchester-founded organisation continues to grow its work across more than 30 countries worldwide.
Best known for his acclaimed documentaries exploring some of society’s most complex and challenging stories, Louis Theroux will now front the charity’s newly launched “Core Community” initiative — a confidential donor network designed to help fund the infrastructure behind In Place of War’s global projects.
Speaking about the partnership, Louis said:
“In Place of War does something genuinely rare: it goes where no one else does and it stays. The work is extraordinary, the communities it supports are extraordinary, and the people running it are passionate about making a better world.”
He added: “I’m proud to support the Core Community and to encourage others to back the infrastructure that makes all of it possible.”
Founded over two decades ago, In Place of War works directly with artists, musicians and grassroots organisations in communities navigating war, displacement and inequality, helping create long-term creative programmes focused on resilience, education and local leadership.
Its Artist Advisory Board
Its Artist Advisory Board includes major cultural figures including Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, Laurie Anderson, AURORA, Kneecap and Bicep.
The charity says its newly launched Core Community initiative has been created to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing charities globally funding the operational infrastructure needed to sustain long-term impact.
While project funding is often available, the organisation says the behind-the-scenes work required to maintain partnerships, respond to crises and deliver global programmes is frequently overlooked.
New trustee Jo Vidler brings decades of experience behind some of the UK’s most recognisable cultural events, including Wilderness Festival, Secret Garden Party and Elrow.
Ruci Fixter joins the board
Meanwhile, Ruci Fixter joins the board with extensive experience in philanthropy, reputation management and values-led social impact strategy, having advised CEOs, political figures and high-profile individuals.
Ruth Daniel, CEO and Artistic Director of In Place of War, described the appointments as a “significant moment” for the charity.
She said:
“Jo and Ruci are exactly the kind of board members we need right now. They understand the intersection of creativity, infrastructure and lasting change, and they bring both credibility and care.”
Core Community members will be invited to private events, artist conversations and behind-the-scenes briefings designed to connect supporters directly with the organisation’s work around the world.
For more information visit In Place of War.
