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A three-part metal sculpture in a white-walled gallery, the sculpture depicts three figures

Arts Council Collection

Managed by the Hayward Gallery the Arts Council Collection includes nearly 8,000 works by over 2,000 artists 

Founded in 1946 to promote and encourage the appreciation of contemporary art through touring exhibitions and public displays, the Arts Council Collection continues to acquire innovative works each year.

Since 1986 the Arts Council Collection has been managed by the Hayward Gallery on behalf of Arts Council England. It is based at the Southbank Centre and at Longside, Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Acquisitions

The Arts Council Collection purchases innovative work by artists living in Britain, with a focus on emerging artists. For particularly ambitious acquisitions, the Collection has in the past received support from the Henry Moore Foundation, The Art Fund and Outset Contemporary Art Fund.

National Partners Programme

The National Partners Programme, a network of regional galleries and museums to present and curate exhibitions drawn from the Arts Council Collection, was launched in 2016 to mark the 70th anniversary of the Arts Council Collection. Funded by the National Lottery, the programme aims to build a deeper relationship with regional audiences by building a UK-wide network across regional partners, connecting local visitors to their national collection.

Get in touch

To enquire about availability of works, please contact the Arts Council Collection’s Loans Coordinator. Loan requests should be sent in writing to:

Head of the Arts Council Collection,
Southbank Centre,
Belvedere Road,
London SE1 8XX.

[email protected]

artscouncilcollection.org.uk

Selected artworks

Painting of Two Girls at Seaside by artist, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye at Arts Council Collection at Hayward GAllery
Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre, London © the artist.
View larger image 1 of 5. Painting of Two Girls at Seaside by artist, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye at Arts Council Collection at Hayward GAllery
Abstract painting depicting two human figures embracing. The figure on the left is red, and the figure on the right is dark blue with red vertical stripes. Both figures have simplified, child-like features. The background includes various shades of blue and grey, with red and black lines and scribbles. Text across the image reads 'we two boys together clinging,' with other scattered, less legible words. The numbers '4.2.' are visible in the bottom left corner
David Hockney We Two Boys Together Clinging, 1961 at Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre, London
View larger image 2 of 5. Abstract painting depicting two human figures embracing. The figure on the left is red, and the figure on the right is dark blue with red vertical stripes. Both figures have simplified, child-like features. The background includes various shades of blue and grey, with red and black lines and scribbles. Text across the image reads 'we two boys together clinging,' with other scattered, less legible words. The numbers '4.2.' are visible in the bottom left corner
Colorful tapestry by Grayson Perry depicting various scenes. In the center, a woman with red hair in a blue dress holds a baby and a smartphone. To the left, a dog sits by a table with a vase and drink. Tattooed men kneel on the floor in the middle. On the right, a group of women in fashionable clothing stand together. The background shows detailed patterns, furniture, and framed pictures, creating a rich, intricate scene
Grayson Perry The Adoration of the Cage Fighters, 2012 at Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre, London
View larger image 3 of 5. Colorful tapestry by Grayson Perry depicting various scenes. In the center, a woman with red hair in a blue dress holds a baby and a smartphone. To the left, a dog sits by a table with a vase and drink. Tattooed men kneel on the floor in the middle. On the right, a group of women in fashionable clothing stand together. The background shows detailed patterns, furniture, and framed pictures, creating a rich, intricate scene
Drawing by Tracey Emin featuring two birds perched on branches with minimalistic lines and curves. Above the birds, handwritten text reads 'You inspire me with your determination and I love you.' The artwork is done in black ink on a white background.
View larger image 4 of 5. Drawing by Tracey Emin featuring two birds perched on branches with minimalistic lines and curves. Above the birds, handwritten text reads 'You inspire me with your determination and I love you.' The artwork is done in black ink on a white background.
Mixed Media Sculpture by artist, Tony Cragg at Arts Council Collection
Tony Cragg George and the Dragon, 1984 Plastic, wood and aluminium Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre, London © the artist.
View larger image 5 of 5. Mixed Media Sculpture by artist, Tony Cragg at Arts Council Collection

Exhibiting work from the collection

 

Loans

The Arts Council Collection welcomes requests for loans from galleries and museums as part of their exhibition and display programmes. Loans to UK museums and galleries are usually free of charge. Applications for loans should be made in writing to the Head of the Arts Council Collection at least six months in advance.

Long loans

The Long Loan scheme provides loans not just to museums and galleries, but to other public institutions such as universities, colleges, charities, libraries and hospitals. These loans are generally between three and five years in length. Hayward Gallery technical teams carry out delivery and installation. There is a fee for these loans based on the number of art works requested.

SELECT scheme

SELECT invites venues to select exhibitions and displays from the Arts Council Collection which complement existing programmes or collections. The curatorial and technical teams of the Collection are able to offer advice and support throughout the selection and display process. A small fee is charged, depending on the level of assistance required.