Published: 25 Oct 2024
Outside In Autumn Auction: Interview with Outside In
The Auction Collective is proud to be partnering with award-winning charity Outside In and Christie's this autumn for their auction, which will raise vital funds to support artists who encounter significant barriers to the art world due to health, disability, social circumstance and isolation. The auction is open until 31 October, 2024, 14:00 GMT - view the auction here.
We sat down with Outside In to discuss their charitable efforts and the upcoming auction.
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Lot 4. Bob & Roberta Smith, OBE RA, Make Things Up | Bid here
Outside In provides a platform for artists who encounter significant barriers to the art world due to health, disability, social circumstance, or isolation.
It is an important and rare example of an organisation with national reach championing the work of artists excluded from the art world. It was formed in 2006 at Pallant House Gallery and won the Charity Award for Arts and Heritage in 2013 and the Queens Award for Voluntary Services in 2022. Outside In became an independent charity in 2017 and gained National Portfolio Organisation status with the Arts Council England in 2018.
Outside In provides a digital platform for its artists to show their work and three programmes of activity: artist development, exhibitions, and training. It aims to create a fairer art world by supporting artists, creating opportunities, and influencing organisations.
The charity has developed its regional presence and now has hubs in the South of England, the Midlands and the North West with plans to develop a hub in the South West.
How did the charity start?
Outside In was founded in 2006 to support artists who encounter significant barriers to the art world due to health, disability, social circumstance or isolation. The charity provides digital galleries for artists to show their work, and runs a range of activities aiming to create a fairer art world by supporting artist development, providing training, putting on exhibitions, generating opportunities, and influencing other organisations.
Outside In won the Charity Award for Arts and Heritage in 2013, gained NPO status with Arts Council England in 2018, and won the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2022.
HUMANITY, the Outside In 2023 National Open Exhibition, at Hove Museum of Creativity. Image courtesy of Outside In, photo by Tom Thistlethwaite.
How will the proceeds from the auction support Outside In?
The proceeds from this auction will directly support Outside In's National Open Exhibition, a vital initiative that provides a platform for artists facing barriers to the art world to showcase their work and gain recognition.
By raising funds through this auction, Outside In can enhance its outreach and support for artists like Antony Stevens and Jasna Nikolic. Both have participated in various exhibitions organised by Outside In and have gone on to gain representation and sell more work as a result. These funds will enable Outside In to continue creating similar opportunities for artists, allowing them to share their talents, connect with audiences, and advance their careers.
HUMANITY, the Outside In 2023 National Open Exhibition, at Project Ability. Image courtesy of Outside In, photo by Jack Wrigly.
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How can artists get involved with Outside In?
Artists who fit Outside In’s criteria can sign up to create a free online gallery on Outside In’s website and receive details via the website and monthly newsletter of exciting opportunities including exhibitions, courses, commissions, residencies and more.
Artist development is at the heart of the charity’s work. Outside In provides tailored advice regarding all aspects of artistic practice, including photographing work, writing an artist’s statement, selling pieces and applying for opportunities, courses and funding.
The charity is continually establishing regional hubs and partnerships with art venues to develop a national support network.
Artists can book a one-to-one support session or come along to a group event, like a Sketchbook Social, Share Art, or Make Art event. There are both online and in-person events to attend.
Artists can also submit work for consideration for the charity’s upcoming National Open Exhibition by signing up via the Outside In website (outsidein.org.uk).
HUMANITY, the Outside In 2023 National Open Exhibition, at Sotheby's, London; Image courtesy Outside In, photo by Sotheby's.
Why did you choose an auction for this campaign?
Auctions foster a sense of excitement and competition, attracting diverse participants who are interested in supporting artists who create outside of the mainstream art world.
Lot 37. Michael Craig-Martin, CBE RA, Tokyo Sunsets | Bid here
What upcoming events or campaigns are you most excited for?
We are excited to present the next Outside In National Open Exhibition, which will be touring arts venues in 2025 and 2026, starting with The New Art Gallery Walsall in June, and ending at Christie's London in January. Held every two years, the Outside In National is a highlight in the cultural calendar. The winner of each National is awarded a solo show, with second and third place winners receiving monetary prizes and funding for art supplies.
Recent guest judges have included Sir Grayson Perry, Bob and Roberta Smith and Cathie Pilkington, and the exhibition venues have included Sotheby’s, King’s Place and Pallant House Gallery.
HUMANITY, the Outside In 2023 National Open Exhibition, at Project Ability. Image Courtesy of Outside In, photo by Jack Wrigly.
Find out more:
Outside In
Featured artists:
Anthony Stevens
Aradne
Bernard McGuigan
Bob & Roberta Smith, OBE RA
Bobby Baker
Carolyn Trant
Chaz Waldren
Dannielle Hodson
David Puttick
Fatma Durmush
George Dannatt
Grayson Perry, CBE RA
Jasna Nikolic
Joe Tilson, RA
Manuel Bonifacio
Michael Craig-Martin CBE RA
Mimmo Paladino
Rakibul Chowdhury
Victoria Bowman
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Outside In Autumn Auction is currently open as a Timed Auction.
Bidding ends on 31st October at 2:00 PM (GMT)
Starting Bids: £80 - £9,400
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