What is the Own Art Scheme?

Own Art - Key Information

The Own Art scheme is available through our network of participating member galleries for the purchase of contemporary art and craft in a range of media, subject to the scheme criteria and participating gallery requirements.

 

That means you can choose from a wide range of works, from paintings, prints, drawings, and sculpture to glassware, ceramics, jewellery, furniture, and textiles. Whatever you decide to buy, it must be made by a living artist, as we want to support the artists of today by encouraging sales of their work to new buyers. In some galleries, you can use Own Art on works of art by artists born in the 20th or 21st century. 

 

The first stage is the difficult bit - deciding what to buy. There are hundreds of Own Art member galleries across the country to choose from, many of which specialise in different types of work. Use our gallery finder to search for the kind of work you are most interested in.

 

Important information about the Own Art finance offer

 

Credit is provided by Novuna Consumer Finance, a trading name of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with firm reference number 704348. 

Credit is subject to status and affordability. Terms and conditions apply.  

There are consequences for missed payments such as fixed late fees and an adverse impact on your credit file. Finance options vary by participating gallery. Some finance options, including 20-month agreements, are only available through galleries authorised by the FCA to carry on credit broking activities. 

 

Own Art is a Creative United initiative supported by Arts Council England, Arts Council of Wales, Creative Scotland and Arts Council of Northern Ireland. 

® The Own Art logo is a registered trademark of Creative Sector Services CIC, a Community Interest Company registered in England and Wales under number 08280539. Registered office: c/o Buzzacott LLP, 130 Wood St, London EC2V 6DL.  

Creative Sector Services CIC is a credit broker and not a lender. 

 

Follow our step-by-step guide below to see how the application process works through participating member galleries.

How to apply for Own Art

1. Are you eligible?

Own Art is available through participating member galleries to permanent UK residents over the age of 18, subject to status, lender eligibility criteria and terms and conditions. 

To apply, you will need to meet the lender's eligibility criteria. This will usually include one of the following:

  • Working at least 16 hours a week(employed or self-employed)
  • A retired person in receipt of a pension
  • A person in receipt of disability allowance

If you do not meet one of these criteria but are married to or living with a partner who does, then you may still apply provided that your partner is happy for their income details to be included on your application form. Any application will still be subject to the lender's assessment and terms.

2. Ask for Own Art

Once you've found the piece of work that you want to buy, just let the gallery know that you'd like to apply for Own Art to finance your purchase.

If you are applying for Own Art in person, you will need to provide acceptable proof of identity and any other documents required for the application. The gallery will let you know which documents are accepted before you apply. 

 

3. Complete the application

Staff in the gallery will take you through the loan application process, which can often be completed in around 10 minutes, although this may vary depending on the application.

Once you've given all the information they need,  in many cases you will receive a decision quickly. Some applications may require further checks and may take longer.

A deposit is not usually required under the Own Art finance agreement. However, some galleries may ask for a deposit depending on the purchase.

4. Take your artwork home

Once the agreement has been signed, the process is complete. You may be able to take your artwork home straight away, depending on the gallery and the item purchased.

You will receive a welcome letter from our finance partner Novuna Consumer Finance and following this the monthly payments  under the agreement will be collected from your account via direct debit.

The first payment is usually collected about four weeks after you have made your purchase, although timings may vary. You can contact Novuna to change the payment date to one more convenient for you  subject to Novuna's processes.

If you have any more questions regarding the application process, please check our FAQs.

 

February 16, 2022