The Art Fund

There are few institutions from which you can get art funds in Great Britain. Some are more well known than others, but if art funds are what you need, then hopefully the following information will be helpful.

Arts Council England distributes public money from the lottery and from the government. It is the national development agency in England specifically for the arts. Between 2008 and 2011 they plan on investing 1.6 billion pounds of government and lottery money in the arts. At present they are supporting channel 4’s “The Big Art Project” which is commissioning communities to create new works of public art. In March of 2009 they started the Artists taking the Lead program, which is offering commissions of up to 500,000 pounds to 12 artists to produce new works of art across the country. 59 artists projects are still in the running out of over 2000 original applications,and winners will be announced in October of 2009.

They are now accepting applications for their “art in empty spaces campaign”, which is a 500,000 pound initiative in which artists or arts organizations will turn vacant shops into artistic venues. This will provide the communities with something all of it’s people can enjoy, as well as filling up empty retail units. One can get more details about this program and how to apply by simply visiting their website.

Another art fund, which is actually a prize, is the 100,000 pound Art Fund prize for museums and galleries. The Wedgewood Museum, which also won the People’s Choice Award, is a museum dedicated to the world-famous pottery company and was the 2009 winner.

There may be other places to find art funds in Great Britain, but they are not so readily found. It seems the best plan of action to take to secure art funds in Great Britain is to try and get a grant from the Arts Council England foundation. This is a great place to start as they have grants available that one may qualify for, and if they cannot help they may be able to get some information for the individual on who may be able to assist them.

Britain does not have the lengthy history of art that European countries such as Italy can claim; however, the rich history of art in the 17th and 18th centuries which spawned such talents as Turner, Constable and Gainsborough has in turn given birth to a fine crop of contemporary British painters.

The London artistic scene has been for many years the place to be, and still remains vibrant. Whether visiting Tate Britain or Tate Modern, or any one of the many contemporary art fairs in the London area, you encounter painters in many genres.
Splendid landscapes can be found by British painters, from the soft greens of southern England to the rugged shores and glens of the Highlands. Whether you are looking for a traditional landscape such as those by George Grant, a more impressionistic style such as Andrew John Miles, or an abstract like Rachel Jeffery’s work, there are ample from which to choose.

Figurative art , narrative art, surrealism—many fine examples of these genres are to be found. From the misty or veiled light in some landscapes, to the vibrant, brash colors reminiscent of Charles Lapicque in others, there are an abundance of artworks representing the contemporary British painter. Highly textured, energetic works are to be found as well as the pale, washed colors of a Cornwall seascape. Soft and misty gardens, castles, and woodlands bring to mind the fabled legends of King Arthur. Detailed cityscapes of London or Liverpool tease the eye with a multitude of activities. They require more than a single look–a sign of good art. It intrigues, and draws one in to consider and reflect on the artist’s intent.

Pop art, with its clear colors, clean lines and iconic nature is still popular, and is available by several good young artists. Some combine individualized pop art and portraiture to provide a personal touch.

The tradition of portrait painting still flourishes in England today, as demonstrated by Michael Taylor, a renowned artist who has won many awards for his portraits. Whether a public figure such as former Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, or a well-known author like Baroness P. D. James, his portraits bring an insight and originality to his subjects.

Unfortunately, in today’s economic troubles, there are galleries which have had to close. A good place to find wonderful art by British artists is at small shops, and at the many art fairs across Britain.

London showcases some of the best and most varied art exhibitions in the world.

The British Museum

Considered the best museum in the world, it currently hosts the unique exhibition, Medals of Dishonour, featuring medals that condemn instead of praise. This includes medals from the 16th to 20th Centuries, as well as modern ones, covering a wide variety of subjects. While at the museum, stop in to see the collection’s most controversial artifacts, the Elgin Marbles, the Greek sculptures that adorned the Parthenon and Acropolis, taken to England in the early 1800s. The world’s largest collection of African artifacts is also worth a look, as is the Rosetta Stone and stunning Egyptian mummies.

Tate Modern

The world’s largest collection of modern art offers enthusiasts two free floors, with a paid exhibition space in between them. Current exhibitions include Futurism, featuring pieces by Picasso, Boccioni, and Severini along with movements in reaction to Futurism.

Tate Britain

Currently, it features Colour and Line: Turner’s Experiments, a display on JMW Turner’s revolutionary image-making, both in watercolor and print. This includes interactive displays, illuminating Turner’s techniques and methodology. While there check out the collection’s sublime display of Tudor and Stuart portraiture.

National Gallery

For the first time in 50 years, the National Gallery has put Titian’s ‘Triumph of Love’ on display in an exhibition that focuses on Italian Renaissance portraits and their relationships to their reverses and covers. While there check out the excellent collection of 17th Century Spanish painting, featuring El Greco and Velazquez.

Royal Academy of Arts

The Royal Academy presents a retrospective, JW Waterhouse: The Modern Pre-Raphaelite. It features more than 40 paintings, including The Lady of Shalott, in the first major show of Waterhouse works in 40 years.

Buckingham Palace

In honor of the 60th anniversary of the Commonwealth, Buckingham Palace exhibits Queen & Commonwealth: The Royal Tour. This showcases a collection of dresses and gifts from The Queen’s Commonwealth tours. The Queen’s Gallery currently features French Porcelain for English Palaces, an exhibition of 300 pieces of the Royal Collection’s fabulous Sèvres porcelain, the preeminent porcelain producer of the 18th Century. One of the highlights is the set of vases once owned by Marie Antoinette, finally reunited.

The Tower of London

In honor of the 500th anniversary of his coronation, the Tower of London hosts the exhibit, Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill, displaying artifacts and objects owned by the famed King.

This is but a small sampling of the myriad exhibits on display. No matter one’s taste, there’s a London exhibit sure to satisfy.