Supported by funds from the National Lottery through the Scottish Arts Council, the National Collecting Scheme for Scotland, (NCSS) has acquired forty new works of contemporary visual and applied art for Scottish museum collections. NCSS, operated by the Contemporary Art Society in partnership with six Scottish museums, focuses on purchases of challenging visual and applied arts. Emphasis is also placed on the curatorial development to support and extend collections. The current phase of the scheme was launched in April 2003 and runs until March 2006. Inspired by research visits at home and abroad, curators elected to buy work by Scottish and international artists including Turner-prize nominee Jim Lambie, Chiho Aoshima, Anya Gallacio, Claire Barclay, Mat Collishaw, and Junko Mori. The acquired works include paintings, sculpture, video installations, metalwork, jewellery, glass and ceramics. To date the museums involved have spent £270,000 in total on new art for Scotland. £130,000 of this amount has been raised as match funding from other organisations. In some cases curators have been able to double the funds available to them for acquisitions. Amanda Catto, Head of Visual Arts at the Scottish Arts Council said: 'I am delighted that the National Collecting Scheme for Scotland has made such good progress in ensuring that works of art by important Scottish and international artists enter the permanent collections of Scottish museums where they will be enjoyed by visitors now and in future.' Andrea Kusel, Keeper of Art at Paisley Museum & Art Galleries said: 'The National Collecting Scheme for Scotland is a great opportunity for Paisley Museum & Art Galleries to bring inspiring new art to our visitors and to ensure that our collection reflects the very best in contemporary international art.' For further information, CLICK HERE