Outset Contemporary Art Fund continues an innovative philanthropic collaboration with the Government Art Collection (GAC) through the Outset/GAC TenTen Acquisitions Fund. The fund runs in tandem with the Robson Orr TenTen Award, a ten-year initiative produced by Outset and the GAC and sponsored by leading philanthropists, and Outset Patrons, Sybil Robson Orr and Matthew Orr. The Commission invites one artist each year to create a unique, limited edition print that will be displayed in government buildings around the world as part of the GAC. Through Outset, 11 editions of the print are further made available to the public to purchase each year, with 100% of the proceeds being made available as a new acquisitions budget for the Government Art Collection. This enables the GAC to continue acquiring new works, with an emphasis on supporting under-represented and emerging artists for the collection, two thirds of which is on display around the world in over 370 buildings, receiving thousands of visitors every year. The collection spans historic, modern, and contemporary art with a strong British connection. This sponsorship, by Sybil Robson Orr and Matthew Orr in collaboration with Outset is the first in the history of the GAC.
The fund has so far acquired the following works:
2019
- Larry Achiampong, ‘Pan African Flag For The Relic Travellers’ Alliance (Motion)’ (2017), purchased from the artist via Copperfield Gallery.
- Matthew Krishanu, ‘Mountain Tent’, (2019), 'Two Boys in a Tree' (2019) purchased from the artist.
- Robin Megannity, ‘being satisfied’, (2019), purchased from the artist.
- Jesse Darling, ‘Equestrian statue’, (2015), purchased from the artist via Arcadia Missa.
- Louise Giovanelli, 'Ambia I', (2018), purchased from the artist via Division of Labour.
- Joy Labinjo, 'Man drinking coffee', (2019), purchased from Tiwani Contemporary.
- Martine Poppe, 'Good Morning', (2019), purchased from ArtEco/Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery.
2020
- Ingrid Pollard, ‘Asymptotic - not falling together’ (2001), 'Parabiosis - solid generated by rotation' (2001), purchased from the artist.
- Khadija Saye, ‘in this space we breathe series’, (2017-18), purchased from the artist via Victoria Miro.
- Holly Hendry, 'Take Good Care of My Baby', (2014), purchased from the artist.
- Tania Kovats, 'WELL', (2019), purchased from the artist via Design Exhibition Scotland.
- Ciara Phillips, 'Advice Giver', (2012), purchased from Glasgow Women's Library.
- Kate Davis, 'Not Just the Perfect Moments', (2012), purchased from Glasgow Women's Library.
- Corin Sworn, 'Arms!', (2012), purchased from Glasgow Women's Library.
- Lucy Skaer, 'Cheiron in Type', (2012), purchased from Glasgow Women's Library.
- Shauna McMullan, '165 Stars Found in GWL Lending Library', (2012), purchased from Glasgow Women's Library.
- Claire Barclay, 'Untitled (wear the white flower of a blameless life)', (2012), purchased from Glasgow Women's Library.
- Sam Ainsley, 'This Land is Your Land', (2012), purchased from Glasgow Women's Library.
- Ashley Cook, 'We Want', (2012), purchased from Glasgow Women's Library.
2021
- Sonia Boyce, 'The Audition in Colour', (1997/2020), purchased from Goodman Gallery.
- Charmaine Watkiss, 'The Passengers', (2020), purchased from the artist via Tiwani Contemporary.
- Rene Matic, 'Maggie in Pink' and 'Dreamland, Margate', (2019), purchased from the artist via Arcadia Missa.
The Government Art Collection
The Government Art Collection (GAC), established in 1898, is a national collection of historic, modern and contemporary British art that is displayed in government buildings in the UK and around the world. These locations include 10 & 11 Downing Street, government departments and residences and offices of British Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Consulates-General across 155 capital cities worldwide. The Collection, seen by thousands of visitors annually, promotes British art and contributes to cultural diplomacy. We work to widen engagement with audiences beyond government through partnerships and participation in local, national and international events.
