Who can apply?

Membership of the Own Art scheme is open to the following types of organisation:

• Commercial art galleries

• Not for profit galleries, museums and artists associations

• Local authority funded galleries and museums

• Specialist art colleges and higher education establishments

• Internet based galleries whose registered offices are based in England

Please note that we are unable to consider applications from individual artists or from businesses that promote the work of a single artist only.

Membership Criteria

Arts Council England wishes to encourage best practice in the art market for the benefit of artists, their agents and those that are interested in buying and collecting contemporary visual art and craft.

The following terms and conditions apply to all Own Art outlets and will be taken into consideration when assessing applications for membership.

Own Art galleries/outlets will be expected to:

• Specialise in the sale of work by living artists
• Regularly present work to the public either through a gallery venue or at events
• Maintain high standards of display, quality of work and information on the artists they represent
• Have a direct relationship and contract of sale with the artists they represent
• Pay a fair commission to artists and pay promptly once a sale has been processed
• Have trained staff that are informed about the artists and work they represent

In addition, all Own Art members must:

• Have been trading for at least 12 months and be able to supply a set of audited or independently inspected accounts for the last financial year that shows that the business has a positive net worth
• Hold (or be willing to obtain) a consumer credit licence for credit brokerage (this is a legal requirement)
• Operate a UK bank account and be capable of accepting payments by BACS
• Attend training by Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance in how to administer the scheme and process loans
• Be prepared to participate in an annual evaluation of the scheme and share information with Arts Council England relating to Own Art sales and marketing

For further information about becoming a member please refer to the Own Art Fact Sheet

Obtaining a Consumer Credit Licence

It is a legal requirement that all participating galleries obtain a Consumer Credit Licence (Category C) to cover them for credit brokerage. With effect from 1 May 2009, the cost of obtaining a Consumer Credit Licence from the Office of Fair Trading will be £970 for companies, partnerships and other types of organisation, and £480 for sole traders. Licences are issued with an indefinite lifetime, with a maintenance fee payable every five years if the licensee wishes to retain its license.

Information about applying for and holding a licence can be found on the Office of Fair Trading website.

Application forms can be obtained from the Office of Fair Trading, Craven House, 40 Uxbridge Road, Ealing W5 2BS, by telephoning 020 7211 8608, or by emailing enquiries@oft.gov.uk with your full address. Additionally, forms can also be obtained from your local trading standards department.

Arts Council England do not advise that you apply for a Consumer Credit Licence until you have been informed in writing that your application to the scheme has been successful.