BBC One Imagine programme on Own Art
The BBC’s arts series Imagine devoted a documentary to the Own Art Scheme, that was broadcast on 1st December on BBC One. The scheme, managed by Arts Council England, helps people to buy contemporary art and craft with interest-free loans of up to £2000.
Here at the Crafts Council we are delighted to see the scheme raising its profile even further through a major arts programme, as over the past five years, the initiative has enabled people to buy contemporary craft to a value of over £1.8 million. On average over 17% of sales in the Own Art scheme are for craft, and makers Catrin Howell, Kuldeep Mahli and Sophie Woodrow were all featured on the Imagine documentary. Own Art makes it easy and affordable for people to invest in craft pieces that would ordinarily be out of reach.
Rosy Greenlees, Executive Director, Crafts Council says:
“Own Art is a fantastic way for people from all walks of life to buy contemporary art and craft. The interest free loan and installment payments mean the very best contemporary craft is within reach of many more people, and the presence of Own Art at events such as Collect: the international art fair for contemporary objects, enables visitors to see and collect truly extraordinary works.”
Maureen Bampton, Director of the Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool says:
“From a gallery perspective, we really appreciate the accessibility Own Art offers for people to buy more expensive and one-off pieces, making the process of buying and owning art and craft more democratic. It means for us as a gallery that we can show more challenging and unique pieces at higher prices, as people feel more confident and able to spend more with the additional financial input.”
Imagine, presented by Alan Yentob, focuses on the people who have bought and commissioned work through Own Art, giving an insight into the way the artworks add to their lives.
Watch Imagine on i-player here
