Launched in 1983, Collectorplan was one of the first schemes of its kind in the UK. Offering interest-free loans, Collectorplan made it possible to spread the cost of buying contemporary art and craft over a 12-month period. It has been a way of encouraging the widening of access to the arts, while also supporting the livelihoods of artists and makers living in Wales, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.
Inspired by the scheme in Wales, Arts Council England launched ‘Own Art’ in 2004. ‘Own Art’ is now managed by Creative United and operates across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Following the announcement of a 10.5% cut in funding from Welsh Government, Arts Council of Wales has had to make significant savings by changing the way that we work whilst continuing to maintain our services and delivering our priorities. Unfortunately, it was decided that delivery of Collectorplan by Arts Council of Wales was no longer viable.
We will make no further loans through Collectorplan after 31 October 2024, this will not affect any current loans or loans made up to this date.
There are currently over 70 galleries across Wales offering Collectorplan and the scheme has facilitated almost 40,000 loans over the last 40 years. We are now working closely with Creative United to outline the stages of the transfer and options for current Collectorplan members to join Own Art.
Moving Collectorplan to a fully digital service for Wales substantially upgrades the provision in Wales, with member galleries set to benefit from Creative United’s expertise, resources and long-standing partnership with Novuna as the scheme’s credit provider. Alongside subsidised credit facilities, member galleries receive free marketing support and a range of other benefits offered by partner organisations that can help them to develop, grow and diversify their customer base.
We share Creative United’s aims of reducing the financial barriers and perceptions of elitism that commonly exist within the art market, and are confident that this is the best option for art buyers in Wales, Collectorplan members and the many hundreds of contemporary artists and craft makers whose work they champion and present for sale each year through their diverse exhibition programmes and events.