Here at The Art Buyer Gallery, we believe art is for everyone and we pride ourselves on offering a range of artworks at affordable prices. We are therefore excited to announce we have joined the Own Art Scheme – to make owning original art just that little bit more accessible! Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector, the Own Art Scheme is available to you and could not be an easier or safer way to build your art collection on a budget.
What is Own Art?
Own Art is a national initiative designed to make buying contemporary art and craft more accessible and affordable using interest free loans in the purchase of original work. With this initiative, you can purchase any artwork between £100 – £2,500 and pay it back in 10 interest free monthly installments. You can add multiple works to the same loan and opt to include your shipping costs. If the total amount is over the upper limit, you can put down a deposit and use Own Art as a part-payment. You can take your art away on the day, on approval, or apply at home and have your art shipped to you straight away.
Who is eligible for Own Art?
Own Art was designed to reduce the financial barriers and perceptions of elitism that commonly exist within the art market. Its purpose is to enable people to purchase and enjoy original art, regardless of their income and socio-economic background.
Own Art is available to all permanent UK residents over the age of 18, subject to status.
This means that you must be able to meet one of the following criteria in order to apply for a loan:
- Work at least 16 hours a week (employed or self-employed)
- Possess a named personal bank account
- A retired person in receipt of a pension
- A person in receipt of disability allowance
If you don’t 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.
How does Own Art work?
It couldn’t be easier! Once you’ve found an artwork that you love, let us know that you would like to apply for an Own Art loan to finance your purchase. You can do so by contacting us via phone on: 0208 398 9333, or sending us an email on: info@theartbuyer.co.uk. Alternatively, you can get your application started by coming to see us in person at our Thames Ditton Gallery.
The Art Buyer will walk you through the loan application process, which normally takes about 10 minutes. You will need proof of residence and signature (for example, a driving license) and an active email address. Once you’ve provided all the necessary information, you’ll get a decision right away. After your application is approved, you will need to sign the agreement and you can take your artwork away with you right there and then or arrange for collection / delivery.
This process can be done in person or online if you are not able to come into the gallery. If you chose to fill in the Own Art application at home, please note that it will not be possible to collect your artwork from the gallery. Delivery to your home is compulsory as confirmation of your address (due to no identification checks taking place).
Following your purchase, you will receive a welcome letter from Own Art’s finance partner Novuna (formerly Hitachi Capital), and your 10 monthly payments will be collected from your account by direct debit. This usually starts around a month after the date of your purchase, once your artwork has been delivered to you. Easy!
Here are our top picks for whatever your budget! So, why not try Own Art?
