Making art affordable for all

As a member gallery of the Own Art scheme, the interest free loan initiative created by Arts Council England, we can offer interest free loans to enable you to purchase works of art. This innovate initiative allows art buyers to spread the cost of their purchase to suit their respective financial situations. You can start collecting today from as little as £10 a month.
Own Art Original
You can borrow up to £2,500, or as little as £100, and pay back the loan in 10 monthly instalments – interest free*.
(*Typical 0% APR. Offer subject to age and status. Terms and conditions apply.)

 
What can I buy?
You can buy anything from the Laura I. Art website , in the gallery or over the telephone with the own art scheme.
 
How do I apply?
As soon as you have decided what you would like to buy please contact us and we will do the rest. It is a quick and easy process.
 
What is the Own Art scheme?
The Own Art scheme is a national initiative that makes buying contemporary art and craft affordable by letting you spread the cost of your purchase over 10 months with an interest free loan.
 
Who runs the Own Art scheme?
The Own Art scheme is an Arts Council England initiative operated by Creative Sector Services CIC, a Community Interest Company, in partnership with Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and credit provider Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance.
 
Frequently Asked Questions

Who runs Own Art?
Own Art is an Arts Council England initiative operated by Creative United, a registered trademark of Creative Sector Services CIC a Community Interest Company, in partnership with Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and our credit provider Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance.
What are the aims of the scheme?
– To enable more people to live with the art they love
– To promote the presentation and sale of high quality works of art through a network of visual arts venues and galleries across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland;
– To support contemporary artists by encouraging increased sales of work across a breadth of practice
Do I have to live in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland to be eligible for an Own Art loan?
Own Art is open to all UK residents over the age of 18, subject to status.
Can I apply for an Own Art loan if I am a student or unemployed?
No – although you may apply for the scheme as a ‘house person’ if you are living with a partner who is employed. In this instance you must quote your partner’s employment details. Other exceptions include student nurses or part-time students (provided you have at least 16 hours per week of regular paid employment)
If the customer pays no interest on the loan, who does?
We are able to guarantee a 0% rate for customers by subsidising the cost of the loan with funding from Arts Council England, Creative Scotland and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
What sort of work can I buy with an Own Art loan?
Works of contemporary art and craft of many different kinds fall under the scheme, including sculpture, painting, photography, textiles, limited edition prints, fashion, jewellery, glass, furniture, ceramics and multi media works – provided they’re created by a living artist.
Can I use Own Art to buy a piece of work that costs more than £25,000?
Yes – the loan can go towards the payment for artwork that costs over £25,000 provided you can cover the balance with a credit/debit card or in cash. It is not possible to apply for more than one loan to cover the cost of a single artwork.
Can I include the cost of framing and/or delivery as part of the Own Art loan?
Yes, you can choose to include framing as part of your Own Art loan. Please let us that you wish to do this at the start of the loan application process if a work is not already framed.
What information or documents are required to process an Own Art application?
We are usually required to see proof of address and proof of signature; these usually constitute a utility bill and a driver’s license or passport. We will also require your bank details, and need to ask basic questions about your employment and residential status, which are required by Hitachi Finance to process the necessary checks for the loan application. Please see our Privacy Policy for information about how we handle any data we collect.
Can I use the scheme more than once?
Yes, there is no limit to the number of times that you can use the scheme. However, you will normally have to allow at least 4 months between loan applications in order to establish a repayment record with the finance company.
What happens if my loan application is unsuccessful?
An application for credit may be turned down for a number of reasons. If this happens you will be given a letter from the finance provider (Hitachi Capital) to explain their decision.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
No deposit is necessary when applying for an Own Art loan, however we may ask you for a deposit to secure an artwork if you wish to complete your Own Art application at a later date
When will I need to make my first payment?
Your first payment will normally be debited from your account around 4 weeks after the date on which you signed the agreement.  You will receive a letter confirming the date.
Are there any charges if I decide to pay off the loan early?
No. Own Art loans do not have early payment charges. If you would like to pay off the loan, you can contact Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance to do so at any time.



​If you have further questions you can visit the Own Art website at ownart.org.uk