From Autumn 2023, working with Kirsty Ogg (Goldsmiths and CVAN London), Nicola Freeman, Head of Curatorial and Public Engagement at the Government Art Collection (GAC), will be hosting an MFA Curating student from Goldsmiths, University of London, to shadow the curatorial team in making acquisitions for Art X-UK – a CVAN x GAC partnership programme. The student will gain real world experience in the selection and acquisitions processes, including presentation of a work to the GAC’s Advisory Committee. The placement also offers an exciting professional development opportunity to build network relationships with nationally-based artists, curators and organisations, as well as forging important connections with the GAC that will leave an impact on the Collection’s resources. 

Art X-UK: CVAN x Government Art Collection 

For Art X-UK the Government Art Collection is working with CVAN, the Scottish Contemporary Art Network, Visual Arts Group Wales and networks in Northern Ireland to identify the artists making an impact in UK nations. More than 90 pieces by 45 contemporary visual artists were acquired for the collection in the pilot scheme in 2020–21. These works are now on display in government buildings around the country and internationally in British embassies and residences.

Artists value the career opportunity:

The recognition and validation of my practice has been extremely encouraging, and I’m excited to be part of a national collection for the first time. Harold Offeh

Works from four contemporary visual artists representing London were acquired for the collection in the pilot scheme in 2021.

From a long list of artists proposed by CVAN London members, a selection committee composed of Sepake Angiama, Artistic Director, iniva; Sam Wilkinson, Public Art Manager, UCL; and Amanda Parker, CEO, Inc Arts., nominated a shortlist for acquisition.

The Government Art Collection’s Advisory Committee approved the acquisition of the following four London artists – Sunil Gupta, Jasleen Kaur, Romily Alice Walden and Lindsey Mendick. These works are now on display in government buildings around the country and internationally in British embassies and residences.

‘It was an honour to be involved in a selection that celebrates unique and distinctive perspectives and showcases some of the best of artistic talent that has made London a home. It’s also pleasing that, seen together, the chosen artists shed light on the very positive aspects of London’s creativity: each artist brings into focus entirely fresh, inspirational and intersectional viewpoints that have deep resonance for the very widest definition of London’s community’. Amanda Parker