A new partnership for Own Art and Wales

Arts Council of Wales will bring its popular Collectorplan loan scheme to an end but will continue to offer interest-free loans for art purchases as part of Creative United’s ‘Own Art’ scheme from 1 November 2024.

Launched in 1983, Collectorplan was one of the first schemes of its kind in the UK. Offering interest-free loans, Collectorplan made it possible to spread the cost of buying contemporary art and craft over a 12-month period. It has been a way of encouraging the widening of access to the arts, while also supporting the livelihoods of artists and makers living in Wales, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.

Inspired by the scheme in Wales, Arts Council England launched ‘Own Art’ in 2004. ‘Own Art’ is now managed by Creative United and operates across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland

No further loans will be offered through Collectorplan after 31 October 2024, this will not affect any current loans or loans made up to this date.

You can find Arts Council of Wales’ full statement on their website.

Creative United is exited for this new partnership with Arts Council of Wales and their galleries. Our team in now working hard to deliver a smooth transition to the Own Art scheme, ensuring uninterupted access for their customers to interest-free loans and affordable art and craft

Moving Collectorplan to a fully digital service for Wales substantially upgrades the provision in Wales, with member galleries set to benefit from Creative United’s expertise, resources and long-standing partnership with Novuna as the scheme’s credit provider.  Alongside subsidised credit facilities, member galleries receive free marketing support and a range of other benefits offered by partner organisations that can help them to develop, grow and diversify their customer base.

A full announcement and celebration of Own Art becoming a UK-wide scheme will come in November. If you have any questions about the transition for Welsh galleries please contact info@ownart.org.uk.