More than 20 new pieces from artists based in north-east England and Scotland have been acquired by the Government Art Collection this year as the second instalment of a five-year drive to ensure it reflects creative talent from across the entirety of the UK.
In 2022, the Government Art Collection, which is part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), launched a five-year acquisitions programme to collect works from exciting talent and showcase the best of British creativity – promoting further interest in the country’s globally renowned creative sector.
The Art X-UK project initially ran as a successful pilot scheme in 2020–21. Since then, over 100 pieces by 55 contemporary visual artists have been acquired for the Collection.
These works are now on display in government buildings around the country and internationally in British embassies and residences, including Washington, Ankara, Abu Dhabi, Paris and 10 Downing Street.
Later this year the Collection will work with the arts networks in Northern Ireland and the North West of England to identify more talented artists from these regions to be featured in the Collection.
In 2023–24, the Government Art Collection partnered with the Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN) in the North East. The network formed a panel of artists and curators to propose a shortlist of artists from the region or nation for the Government Art Collection team to research.
Our thanks to the panel for their work: Kathryn Elkin (Artist and previous GAC Niomi Fairweather (Curator, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art); Clare Gomez (Assistant Director, Workplace Foundation); Elinor Morgan (Artistic Director, MIMA).
“There are so many fantastic artists working in the North East and exhibiting internationally. These acquisitions by the Government Art Collection are a commendation of the quality of work being made, and will, I know, serve to enrich both the artists’ careers and the collection itself.” Adam Pugh, Director, Art Network North East
Artists whose work was acquired are:
Emily Hesse
Kara Chin
Joanne Coates
Rachel Lancaster
Annie O’Donnell
Kuba Ryniewicz
“It’s amazing to be representing the North East in the Government Art Collection. The North East is one of the most exciting places for the arts in the UK and it’s really wonderful to see my region being recognised for its talent. “The North East is huge, so sometimes I do think, where do I fit within that and am I representing the issues that people care about? But I think because my work is class-based, there is that connection there. More art collections around the UK should look to the North East.”
Joanne Coates, artist
“I am excited to be included in the Government Art Collection and the recognition which this brings to my practice. As an artist based in the North East I am proud to represent the region within this national collection and look forward to the further opportunities the Art X-UK project may lead to in the future.”
Rachel Lancaster, artist
