Member Article

Arts bond enterprise launches in North East

A programme to facilitate the work of artists by issuing bonds to individuals, businesses and organisations has launched in the North East.

Taking cues from similar American communities, The North East Enterprise Trust has launched the UK’s first Community Supported Art and Enterprise (CS&E) programme.

Dubbed “Art for Enterprise”, the programme works by releasing 50 shares or bonds, which have been used to commission nine award-winning artists, who each produce only 50 special edition, signed and numbered pieces of their work.

Individuals, groups or businesses are now invited to purchase these bonds with any proceeds reinvested to support North East communities.

Sir Peter Vardy, patron of the Trust, said: “Our Art for Enterprise programme is a great way for The North East Enterprise Trust to take the lead in encouraging individuals, businesses and organisations to be more creative when it comes to social responsibility and supporting local communities.

The donation level for each bond has been set at £1000 and tickets for a special prize draw to win one of the bonds was over subscribed and raised more than £1500 in just ten days.

The draw was made by Sir Peter Vardy on December 9 2013 and the winners were Judith and Anthony Myers of Darlington, who are absolutely thrilled with their good fortune.

Nikki Key was one of the first individuals to secure her art bond and said: “I have worked for several years with business throughout the North East, and it’s great to be able to support the region in this way – it’s my way of doing something that I think is very creative and saying thank you at the same time!”

Prospective bondholders are now invited to preview the complete collection and meet some of the artists that have been chosen to take part on Saturday December 14 2013 between 11.00 and 3.00 at Bentley Newcastle.

The occasion promises to be the perfect venue for people who want to be part of an adventurous and exclusive art-loving community to find out more, reserve their bond and collect their art.

Mike Storey CEO The North East Enterprise Trust, said: “Becoming a, Art for Enterprise bond holder is a unique opportunity to do something that is absolutely unique and lots of fun

“It’s a fantastic way for people to make a creative investment in the northeast and at the same time, engage with art, support artists and build their very own beautiful limited edition collection.

“We have timed the issue so that bonds can be released just ahead of Christmas, so they are timed to be perfect as Christmas gifts for friends and loved ones, or as special and well deserved treats for bond holders.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .