Borrow Big! is a new open-application loan scheme aimed at supporting venues to borrow large-scale artworks from the Arts Council Collection to share with audiences across the UK.
Since the Arts Council Collection began 75 years ago we have been collecting and caring for a wide array of bold and ambitious art, always looking for ways we can share the collection to a wide variety of venues. After decades of lending work free of charge to partners around the UK and internationally it is clear there is an enthusiasm to borrow from all areas of our collection which is why we are supporting arts organisations to think big when they borrow from the Arts Council Collection.
We want to collaborate with six dynamic organisations sharing knowledge and expertise, learning from each other and creating opportunities for our audiences to enjoy these immersive works of art. We are asking applicants to consider how they can pass the baton on, extending resources and research as the work travels to future venues.
We have suggested ten works (see below) for you to consider, but we are open to considering applications for other large-scale works which fit the remit. If you'd like to discuss an idea in more detail, please email loans@southbankcentre.co.uk
Each project will be supported with up to £4.5k and can be used where most needed, whether that is towards transport, installation, audience engagement, evaluation, or any aspect of the project.
Full details on the available projects and how to apply can be found below.