Bidding is now open for Buy Art to Help Art UK. More than 140 artists from across the UK have joined forces to support the charity’s groundbreaking work democratising access to the national art collection. The auction features works by some of the nation’s most prominent established artists together with many exciting new generation painters, sculptors and printmakers.
With works priced from £50 to £50,000 this is a unique opportunity for collectors of all levels to start or add to a collection.
View artworks
Participating artists include; Zarina Bhimji, Richard Deacon RA, Graham Fagen, Jordy Kerwick, David Mach RA, Jock McFadyen RA, Humphrey Ocean RA, Cornelia Parker OBE RA, Veronica Ryan, Raqib Shaw, Conrad Shawcross RA, Yinka Shonibare CBE RA and Rose Wylie RA. Aligning with Art UK’s mission to democratise the world of art, the auction and print sale will include artworks by young, emerging artists such as Archie Franks, Radhika Khimji, Ellie MacGarry and Ryan Orme who have been recommended by established participating artists including Rana Begum RA and Eileen Cooper RA.
The proceeds of the sales will be split equally with the artists. This means collectors can acquire artworks whilst supporting the work of Art UK and also over 140 artists. Art UK’s share will go to support key areas of its work. In particular, it will use the funds to grow its schools learning resources, add more artworks to its website and tell the stories about underrepresented artists and those who have not had the recognition they are due.
Artists are essential stakeholders in the Art UK initiative and sharing the income raised is fundamental to how the charity works with artists. Artworks by over 50,000 artists are on the Art UK website, including work by nearly 10,000 living artists. The website is the only national inventory of artists’ works in public collections and, in the case of public sculptures, in the streets and squares of Britain.
‘Art UK brings the nation's art collections into our homes via their growing online platform, and the artworks themselves into our schools. They are inspiring the next generation and expanding the educational possibilities of our unique, untapped collections.’ - Conrad Shawcross RA
‘You know the image and half of the artist’s name... you are wading through Google images on page 15 and no joy. Life without Art UK seems like the Dark Ages now but the mammoth audit of over a quarter of a million pictures in Britain’s public collections is free and instant. Now you can go and see the work... Go on book your train ticket... Have a day out... Go see the art!’- Jock McFadyen RA
‘Sometimes teachers have to mix it up and bring excitement and variety when giving lessons. Art UK’s teacher resources have been an essential 'go to' for me where I can find the exact resource or artwork I need to inspire my pupils.’ - Andria Zafirakou MBE, 2018 Winner of the Global Teacher Prize and Art UK Trustee
‘Art UK is hugely grateful to all the brilliant artists who have so generously supported this vital fundraising initiative for our charity. The money raised will help us grow access to the national art collection, expand our learning resources and tell the stories behind underrepresented artists. Please support us if you can by buying a great piece of art or telling your friends about what’s on offer.’ - Andy Ellis, Director Art UK
Art UK has partnered with the Auction Collective, who will run the auction and print sale. The Auction Collective’s relationship with Own Art and their innovative and more affordable approach to the auction resonate with Art UK’s own mission to make art accessible for new audiences.
For further information visit: https://theauctioncollective.com/viewing-rooms/art-uk/
For press information, visuals and interviews contact:
Laura Callendar, Cultural Communications
T: +44 (0) 7939 049731 | E: laura@lauracallendar.com
Image:
Tess Jaray, After Malevich 37, (2012).
