Council scheme gives financial boost for Welsh art

IFACCA/Artshub, 06 August 2004,United Kingdom

A landmark payment scheme for Welsh art has doubled in size following a £500,000 loan awarded the Arts Council of Wales. The expanded Arts Council of Wales Collectorplan scheme was recently launched by the Minister of Culture, Alun Pugh AM, who called the scheme ‘a great example of public and private funding working together to promote wider access to art.’ The Collectorplan, originally devised in 1983 by the Arts Council of Wales, offers interest-free loans of between £50 and £2,000 towards the cost of buying original paintings, sculpture, jewellery and crafts from participating Welsh galleries. The new Council loan from Principality Building Society will take the Collectorplan budget over the £1 million threshold for the first time. The Welsh Assembly Government has chipped in, guaranteeing the loan for a period of three years to enable to scheme to be expanded. Peter Griffiths, Principality’s Chief Executive said: ‘We are very proud to support the arts in Wales by providing secured funding for Collectorplan. With more money in the pot than ever before, this interest free loan scheme enables a wider audience to purchase Welsh art ensuring that artists at grass roots level, as well as galleries throughout Wales, are supported.’ Geraint Talfan Davies, Chairman of Arts Council Wales, said: ‘When it was launched 21 years ago Collectorplan was a ground breaking scheme in the UK. It has been a consistent success ever since. We are delighted that the Principality Building Society has decided back it so generously. This is a major new partnership between the arts and business in Wales. Artists, galleries and the art loving public are going to benefit.’ For further information, CLICK HERE.

Show latest news, more from August 2004.