National collection scheme launched

IFACCA/Artshub,
23 October 2002, United Kingdom

The Scottish Arts Council (SAC) recently launched a new scheme aimed at expanding contemporary art collections in Scottish museums and galleries. The SAC has pledged £350,000 over three years to the National Collecting Scheme, aimed at increasing the number of visual arts and crafts acquired for permanent collections around the country. As well as attracting UK visitors, it is hoped that the scheme will also boost Scotland’s profile as an arts destination for international audiences. Amanda Catto, Head of Visual Arts at the Scottish Arts Council, voiced concern that the best of Scottish contemporary artworks were often bought by international collectors. 'For far too long the very best of Scotland’s contemporary work has been snapped up by international collectors depriving Scottish audiences of the opportunity to admire the astonishing and exciting work that is being produced in Scotland now,' she said. The scheme, she adds, is aimed at providing a strong focus for collecting contemporary works from around the world, for all Scots to enjoy. The initiative will be managed by the Contemporary Arts Society (CAS), who run a similar scheme in England. They will provide support and guidance to curators to enhance public collections to include Scottish and International artworks.