Freelands Art Fund Acquisition Programme (UK)

Deadline: 15-Jan-2027

The Freelands Art Fund Acquisition Programme provides grants of up to £60,000 to eligible UK museums and public collections to acquire contemporary artworks by women artists. The programme prioritises work engaging with social and political issues, history, and cultural differences in contemporary society. Eligible applicants include accredited public museums, galleries, historic houses, libraries, and archives across the UK that are open to the public for at least half the week for a minimum of six months each year. Joint acquisitions and purchases of multiple artworks are permitted within the available grant budget. What Is the Freelands Art Fund Acquisition Programme? The Freelands Art Fund Acquisition Programme is a partnership between the Freelands Foundation and Art Fund that aims to strengthen the representation of contemporary women artists in UK public collections. The programme provides financial support for eligible museums and public collections to acquire existing works by featured women artists. The initiative helps institutions expand their collections while making important contemporary art more accessible to the public. The programme places particular emphasis on contemporary artworks that explore important aspects of society, including: - Social issues - Political issues - History - Cultural differences - Contemporary social experiences - Diverse perspectives expressed through visual art How Much Funding Is Available? Eligible museums and public collections can apply for a grant of up to £60,000. The funding can be used to acquire existing works by the featured artist. The work does not have to be limited to pieces shown in the award exhibition. The programme also allows institutions to use the available funding flexibly.

Applicants may:

- Acquire a single artwork - Purchase multiple works - Make a joint acquisition - Build a group of works within the allocated budget This flexibility allows institutions to develop acquisitions that fit their existing collections and long-term collecting strategies. What Types of Art Can Be Acquired? The programme supports the acquisition of contemporary visual art by women artists. Particular attention is given to work that addresses themes relevant to contemporary society, such as social and political questions, historical experiences, and cultural differences. Applicants should therefore consider how a proposed acquisition contributes to their collection and how the artist’s work can provide meaningful perspectives for existing and future audiences. Who Can Apply? Applications are open to eligible UK public museums and collections.

Eligible organisations include:

- Public museums - Public galleries - Historic houses - Libraries - Archives The organisation must meet the programme’s requirements concerning public access, accreditation, and charitable objectives.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, an organisation must be based in the United Kingdom and meet the programme’s public-access and accreditation requirements.

Eligible organisations must:

- Be a public museum, gallery, historic house, library, or archive. - Be based anywhere in the UK. - Be open to the public for at least half the week. - Remain open for at least six months of the year. - Be fully accredited through the Arts Council Accreditation Scheme or an equivalent national accreditation system. - Be committed to increasing public access to their collections. - Operate in a way that aligns with Art Fund’s charitable objectives. Meeting these requirements is important before preparing an application. Who Is Not Eligible? The programme does not generally support organisations or applicants that fall outside the eligible public-collection framework. The following are not eligible to apply independently: - For-profit organisations - Commercial organisations - Organisations focused on art forms outside the visual arts - Individuals - Unincorporated bodies - Hospitals - Places of worship - Schools - Higher education institutions However, some otherwise ineligible organisations may participate by partnering with an eligible organisation. Why Is the Programme Important? Public collections play an important role in determining which artists and perspectives are preserved and made accessible to future generations. The Freelands Art Fund Acquisition Programme helps museums and other public collections strengthen their representation of contemporary women artists.

Its focus can help institutions:

- Address gaps in existing collections - Increase representation of women artists - Preserve important contemporary artistic work - Introduce new social and cultural perspectives - Improve public access to contemporary visual art - Strengthen the diversity of public collections - Connect contemporary art with current social and political issues For participating institutions, an acquisition can therefore contribute to both collection development and public engagement. What Can the Grant Support? The grant is intended to support the acquisition of existing artworks by the featured artist.

Eligible acquisition approaches include:

Single Artwork Acquisition An institution may use the grant to acquire an individual work that makes a strong contribution to its collection. Multiple Artwork Acquisition Applicants may purchase several works, provided the total acquisition remains within the available funding allocation. Joint Acquisitions The programme permits joint acquisitions, allowing organisations to collaborate when acquiring contemporary artworks. Works Beyond the Award Exhibition Institutions are not restricted to acquiring only works that were displayed in the award exhibition. The programme allows eligible organisations to acquire existing works by the featured artist more broadly. How Museums Can Build a Strong Acquisition Case A strong acquisition proposal should clearly explain why the selected artwork is important for the institution and its public collection. App