News

Business Collectors Network

The Business Collectors Network - a new corporate art collecting venture, was launched in the North East in September 2007. The concept was developed by The Sponsors Club for Arts & Business in partnership with Arts Council England, North East, in a bid to increase the number of corporate collectors in the region.

15 February 2008 - Go back to Own Art February Bulletin

Director of Arts and Business, Adam Lopardo, has been overwhelmed by the take-up of businesses to the scheme, “I didn’t expect that we’d announce the first three members at the launch and leave the event with two others signed up and four others agreeing in principle to join – It just goes to show how supportive of the arts businesses in the region are.”
           
Initial research commissioned by Arts Council England North East, fed into the development of the model. This revealed that the biggest driver for businesses to get involved was the opportunity to support North East artists.  A wide range of companies have signed up so far including Xsite Architects, Ward Hadaway, Ryders HKS, Express Group and NewcastleGateshead Initiative.

The Business Collectors Network asks businesses to invest £1,500 a year for three years. These funds will be used to purchase art and in return businesses get the opportunity to come together and benefit from learning about contemporary art by artists living and working in the North East.

Solution Design Group Office, Courtesy of Northern Print

The artworks which have been bought are installed in the businesses’ offices, rotated every six months and brought together annually in a public exhibition. Curator, Julia Bell, has recently been appointed to oversee this activity. Staff from businesses also benefit from attending networking events including talks from artists, curators and galleries, visiting studios and exhibitions, and finding out more about building their own collection.

At the end of the three years the Collection will be used for the benefit of the North East, either being gifted to one of the region’s galleries or held as an asset by The Community Foundation and continue to be made available to show in offices or galleries.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Adam Lopardo on 0191 222 0945 or email al@communityfoundation.org.uk
           
Note
Own Art interest free loans are only available for personal accounts and not for business use. Business Collectors Network is not a member of the Own Art scheme.