Own Art in Northern Ireland
We’re delighted to let you know that The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is now piloting the Own Art scheme in four galleries – Gormleys branches in Omagh and Belfast, Emer Gallery in Belfast and White Image in Hillsborough.
Plans are already in place to extend the Own Art initiative to other galleries across the country over the next few months.
Dr Suzanne Lyle, Head of Visual Arts at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland commented: ‘We can see from how Own Art has been received in other regions that it attracts a wide range of customers from first time buyers to seasoned collectors. For art lovers this is a chance to invest in new works but let’s not forget that this is also an opportunity for artists and galleries to draw in new customers – which will come as a welcome boost during these increasingly challenging economic times.’
Northern Ireland has produced many artists down through the years who have achieved fame at home and abroad – from William Connor and John Lavery, though to Basil Blackshaw, Rita Duffy, and Willie Doherty.
Oliver Gormley, owner of Gormley’s Gallery, said: ‘Own Art presents an opportunity now for buyers to start investing in the next generation of artists coming through. At Gormley’s we have always believed that great art should be accessible to everyone and now Own Art is helping to make works by leading artists even more affordable.’
To find out more about the artist in the feature image, Jonathan Aiken, visit www.jonathanaiken.com