Art X-UK 2022-23
Art X-UK continues over 2022–23 collecting art by artists from the East and West Midlands, and Wales.
In 2022–23, the Government Art Collection worked with visual arts networks in the East and West Midlands, and Wales to select works of art by artists from those regions. After the Art X-UK initiative came about during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government Art Collection has continued to celebrate the diversity of creativity across the UK.
Ten artists were ultimately selected over 2022–23; over 30 works of art entered the Collection that will be displayed in government buildings around the world.
Marlene Smith, Ad(dress) Rehearsal – Wesley, 2014 © Marlene Smith
It means a great deal to me to have these works, which celebrate my Windrush-era parents, enter such an important collection for the nation.
— Marlene Smith, artist
Who we worked with
CVAN England
Operating across nine regions of England, the Contemporary Visual Art Network is a sector support and advocacy organisation, working regionally and nationally since 2012. A network that advocates for and represents a diverse community of artists, creative practitioners, arts organisations, institutions and art galleries across the whole of England’s visual arts sector. Regions: South West, South East, London, East, East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire, North East, North West.
CVAN is delighted to be working with the Government Art Collection over the next five years. Art X-UK is a significant opportunity to support the profile of artists across England. Our networks are especially concerned with putting forward artists that perhaps curators may have yet to encounter.
– Paula Orrell, CVAN England, National Director
CVAN East Midlands
CVAN East Midlands is the Contemporary Visual Arts Network for the East Midlands, encompassing Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, and Rutland. It has been part of the national Contemporary Visual Arts Network since 2008 and works alongside eight other regional Contemporary Visual Arts Networks to amplify voices, debate, and democratic change across the sector.
CVAN East Midlands was delighted to partner with the Government Art Collection again on this brilliant initiative to recognise and platform the incredibly ambitious work being made by artists across the East Midlands.
– Colette Griffin, Director CVAN East Midlands
New Art West Midlands
New Art West Midlands is the Contemporary Visual Arts Network for the region. Its purpose is to strengthen and develop the contemporary visual arts sector in the West Midlands, working collectively to safeguard the future of artists and the sector as a whole.
Representation in the Government Art Collection carries great significance, recognising the value of artists and their work within the highest level of the British political establishment. The Art X-UK initiative gives regions a stake in who is represented here. For the West Midlands, this has been an opportunity to spotlight the work of important artists who reflect contemporary society’s current and real concerns.
– Craig Ashley, Co-chair of New Art West Midlands
Visual Arts Group Wales (VAGW)
Visual Arts Group Wales (VAGW) is an independent, voluntary network that exists to strengthen the contemporary visual arts sector in Wales through partnership, advocacy and training.
Farwa Moledina, Aasiyah (a.s.), Maryam (a.s.), Khadijah (a.s.) and Fatimah (a.s), 2023 © Farwa Moledina
I’m really delighted to be part of such a respected and recognised collection, and to represent Britain’s Muslim population through my work.
— Farwa Moledina, artist
Special thanks to all the networks and panellists who put forward this exceptional selection of artists from across Wales, and the East and West Midlands.
We would like to thank the supporting galleries: Ed Cross Fine Arts, BAND Gallery Toronto.
To keep updated on Art X-UK and learn more about these artworks, follow the Government Art Collection on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and use the hashtag #ArtXUK to take part in the conversation.
