Although most Welsh people are usually only a window’s-breadth away from a stunning view, landscapes were the most popular types of artworks purchased through Art Council of Wales’ Collectorplan scheme in 2019.
Collectorplan is an interest free loan scheme that makes it possible to spread the cost of buying a work of art made by a living Welsh artist over a 12-month period. The scheme covers a range of different items from traditional paintings to handcrafted blankets and jewellery.
Depictions of the nation’s rugged mountains and beautiful coastline dominate the list of best-selling artists, by painters such as David Grosvener and Sarah Carvell. But the list also features the wood engravings of Colin See-Paynton and Luned Rhys-Parri’s mixed-media 3D portrayals.
Gwyn Jones, Director of Oriel Glyn y Weddw in Llanbedrog said,
“The Collectorplan scheme is a significant contribution to making art more accessible to the general public and also an important element in making galleries across Wales financially viable.
“I am interested that landscapes were the most popular type of art bought. though not entirely surprised. Locals and tourists to Wales alike appreciate the beautiful country in which we live, and so it isn’t surprising that they want to take those beautiful landscapes home with them”.
Nick Capaldi, Chief Executive of Arts Council of Wales also said,
“We believe art should be for everyone and one of our aims with Collectorplan is to make owning pieces of art as easy and as accessible to as wide a range of people as possible. Public funding for the arts has always had the twin goals of promoting great work and widening access to the arts. Collectorplan - in existence since 1983 - is one way in which we can encourage the second, while also supporting the creation of great art by artists living in Wales.
“It is encouraging that the scheme continues to go form strength to strength, with the works of over 400 artists being bought through the scheme during 2018-19.”
Welsh galleries are new preparing for the Christmas rush and more people are buying contemporary Welsh art and crafts thanks to Collectorplan. There are over 60 galleries in all parts of Wales offering the Collectorplan loan and the Scheme supports the local economy: local galleries are seeing an increase in sales and it helps artists to make a living from their work.
Further details about the terms and conditions of a Collectorplan loan can be found here and the report mentioned above is here.