Own Art Scheme
Key Information
This page contains important information about the Own Art scheme. Please make sure that you have read this through carefully before continuing with your enquiry, whether in person or online.
Own Art is a publicly funded scheme, available through a network of participating member galleries across the UK. You can use Own Art to help finance the purchase of a wide range of works of art and craft by living artists. This includes ceramics, jewellery, paintings, photography, prints, sculpture and more. Spread the cost of your purchase over ten months, completely interest free.
Important information about the Own Art finance offer.
You must be over 18 and a UK resident to apply. £250 minimum spend. Credit is subject to status and affordability. Terms and conditions apply.
Credit is provided by Novuna Consumer Finance, a trading name of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with firm reference number 704348. There are consequences for missed payments such as fixed late fees and an adverse impact on your credit file. Finance options vary by participating Own Art member.
Own Art is a Creative United initiative supported by Arts Council England, Arts Council of Wales, Creative Scotland and Arts Council of Northern Ireland. ® The Own Art logo is a registered trademark of Creative Sector Services CIC, a Community Interest Company registered in England and Wales under number 08280539. Registered office: c/o Buzzacott LLP, 130 Wood St, London EC2V 6DL.
Creative Sector Services CIC is a credit broker and not a lender.
How to apply for Own Art
1. Are you eligible?
Own Art is available through participating member galleries to permanent UK residents over the age of 18, subject to status, lender eligibility criteria and terms and conditions. To apply, you will need to meet the lender's eligibility criteria. This will usually include one of the following:
- Working at least 16 hours a week(employed or self-employed)
- A retired person in receipt of a pension
- A person in receipt of disability allowance
If you do not meet one of these criteria but are married to or living with a partner who does, then you may still apply provided that your partner is happy for their income details to be included on your application form. Any application will still be subject to the lender's assessment and terms.
2. Ask for Own Art
Once you've found the piece of work that you want to buy, just let the gallery know that you'd like to apply for Own Art to finance your purchase.
If you are applying for Own Art in person, you will need to provide acceptable proof of identity and any other documents required for the application. The gallery will let you know which documents are accepted before you apply.
3. Complete the application
Staff in the gallery will take you through the loan application process, which can often be completed in around 10 minutes, although this may vary depending on the application.
Once you've given all the information they need, in many cases you will receive a decision quickly. Some applications may require further checks and may take longer.
4. Take your artwork home
Once the agreement has been signed, the process is complete. You will be able to take your artwork home straight away.
You will receive a welcome letter from our finance partner Novuna Consumer Finance and following this the monthly payments under the agreement will be collected from your account via direct debit.
The first payment is usually collected about four weeks after you have made your purchase, although timings may vary. You can contact Novuna to change the payment date to one more convenient for you subject to Novuna's processes.
If you have any more questions regarding the application process, please visit the FAQs page on the Own Art website.