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Only 1 in 20 Council Artworks on Public Display
12 Nov
Summary
- Over 500,000 artworks owned by English councils are mostly in storage.
- Less than 5% of council-owned art pieces are accessible to the public.
- Councils face storage strain and falling museum funding impacts display.
A recent BBC investigation revealed that fewer than five percent of the more than 500,000 artworks held by English councils are currently on public display, with the vast majority kept in storage. Despite local authorities being significant funders of arts and culture, many face challenges due to strained storage capacity and a real-term decrease in museum spending.
Collections include pieces by artists such as Tracey Emin and David Hockney, with some councils owning tens of thousands of works. Only one authority, Rugby Council, reported having all its 257 artworks on display. This situation raises questions about accessibility and the purpose of these collections when they are not seen or enjoyed by the public.
While some councils have sold artworks due to practical reasons like storage closure, others are exploring ways to increase access. Rugby Council is seeking funding for a redevelopment that would include permanent display space. Art UK emphasizes the importance of making public art available to everyone, digitally and physically, to enrich lives and communities.
