Made Possible is a new consumer finance initiative from Creative United developed and delivered with support from National Lottery funds from Creative Scotland and in partnership with Novuna Consumer Finance.
Made Possible makes it more affordable to buy original high-quality art, craft, and design directly from independent artists, makers, and craftspeople. An extension of the successful Own Art initiative, Made Possible has been created to support independent artists and designers who predominantly sell work direct to consumer via their own sales channels, rather than through gallery representation.
About Made Possible
We are initially launching Made Possible as a time-limited pilot programme in Scotland to test whether the scheme can generate incremental sales for the Scottish-based artists, makers and craftspeople taking part, and establish its economic and social benefits. The aim is to support independent artists/makers to reach wider audiences and to make high quality art, craft, and design more accessible for everyone.
The pilot scheme is cost-free for the participating artists/makers– except for the discounted interest charge on all successful customer loan applications. Creative United will cover all lender administration costs and will provide all participants with complementary promotional materials. In return, the participating artists/makers will provide up to 12 hours of their feedback time throughout the year to help us evaluate the initiative and consider the potential for a future national roll-out.
Who's taking part?
A range of Scotland-based independent makers, artists and craftspeople who are producing and selling contemporary art and craft – including painting, drawing, sculpture, glassware, ceramics, metalwork, jewellery, craft, furniture, and other works.
Our initial pilot cohort consists of:
Alison MacLeod
Alison makes finely crafted pieces drawing from jewellery’s rich history of celebrating human connection in all its forms. Referencing the past within a modern context, her jewellery imbues a sense of relaxed elegance, meaningful pieces to be worn and enjoyed every day.
Alison MacLeod Jewellery – Photography by Laura Sparrow
Daniel Lacey
Inspired by local landscapes in southern Scotland, award-winning designer/maker Daniel Lacey creates contemporary fine furniture – transforming self-harvested local hardwoods into cherished heirlooms. A specialist in individual bespoke commissions, he also makes speculative and limited-edition pieces for exhibitions and online.
Daniel Lacey Design & Furniture – A recent bespoke commission table and chairs from local ash – the chairs based on his ‘Black Grouse’ (Blagr) design
Elin Isaksson
Elin designs hand blown glassware for gifts, sculptural accessories, corporate awards and unique one-off cast sculptures for interiors. She stocks her work in galleries all over the UK and she also sells from her website and at trade shows.
‘Liquid Ice’ Candle holders by Elin Isaksson – Photography by Shannon Tofts
Frances Priest
Contemporary ceramic artist Frances Priest creates objects and tile installations exploring cultural histories of ornament and pattern. Her award-winning work is represented in private and public collections, including The National Museum of Scotland, The Fitzwilliam Museum, and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Frances Priest – Photography by Shanon Tofts
Neil G Smith Art
Neil offers a range of original art, murals, merchandise and more from his online store, as well as selling on marketplaces and at physical trade shows and art fairs.
Cloch Lighthouse by Neil G Smith
McSpoff-ART
Sarah at McSpoff-ART creates unique and extremely textured artwork that will put a smile on your face. She specialises in pet portraits and large-scale animal artwork.
by McSpoff-ART
Colin Woolf Fine Art
A natural and passionate artist, Colin has been a professional for over 40 years. Working mostly in oils he delights in capturing light and is inspired by the wilder places of Scotland.
by Colin Woolf Fine Art
Benefits for customers
Made Possible allows you to:
Buy original high-quality art, craft, and design directly from independent artists, makers, and craftspeople.
Spread the cost of your purchase with the benefit of an interest free loan, making it more affordable.
Own original art in an alternative way, with a quick and easy application process at the point of purchase (around 10mins) – with a credit decision made immediately.
Benefits for artists, makers, and craftspeople
Made Possible allows you to:
Increase access and affordability of your work to both new and existing audiences – supporting your long-term business growth and sustainability.
Offer your customers an alternative way to purchase your work, with a quick and easy application process at the point of purchase (around 10mins) – with a credit decision made immediately.
Increase cash flow with the full value of the loan being remitted to you within 2-3 days of the sale completing.
Benefit from subsidised loan processing fees (covered by Creative United and Creative Scotland).
Offer a credit facility where the lender covers the risk in the event of a customer defaulting on payments (including late/missing payments).
Questions?
If you have any questions about the scheme or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Laurie at madepossible@creativeunited.org.uk.
Interested in taking part?
To be considered for the pilot you must be able to meet the following criteria:
- producing and selling work in media including painting, sculpture, photography, limited edition prints, craft, textiles, jewellery, furniture, glass, and ceramics – work retailing mainly from £250 upwards as our partner lender Novuna, who provides the loans for Made Possible, offers loans for works that are within the price bracket of the scheme, starting from £250 upwards
- be achieving sales turnover of £20,000 – £30,000 per annum, generated through the sale of your work to UK customers.
- have a dedicated business bank account (lender requirement).
- can offer 6-8 hours of feedback time (online/surveys/phone calls) with the Creative United team across the 12-month period.
- be willing to have your business profile promoted as a case study throughout and post-pilot.
