Fraternise

artists investing in the future

Fraternise — by pledging a piece of work to the Beaconsfield Collection

Why support Beaconsfield?

Within the art-world, Beaconsfield occupies a niche between the institution, the commercial and the ‘alternative’. The charity has provided a laboratory and presentation space for artists since 1995 earning a reputation as …one of the most radical and exciting spaces in London (Mark Waugh, Arts Consultant).

Beaconsfield independently raises all funds to support its projects and maintains a large and unique venue in the former Lambeth Ragged School. Arts Council England funds a percentage of the overheads. Given a climate of insecurity within the public funding sector and the ongoing capital depreciation of Beaconsfield’s main asset - the building - it is critical to build reserves.

Beaconsfield has a unique place in London’s cultural landscape. It is distinguished by its history of providing a forum for extraordinary events and exhibitions, stimulating passionate, candid and robust debate about art’s production and its ideological underpinnings, as well as providing a much-needed locus for the thriving artistic community in which it sits. If Beaconsfield didn’t exist, it would have to be invented!

Sheena Wagstaff, Chief Curator, Tate Modern

The Beaconsfield Collection

The Collection has been established to help raise funds specifically for projects. Fraternising artists can play a key role in enabling Beaconsfield to provide an ambitious programme of residencies, exhibitions and events — on and off-site — by demonstrating their support and practically providing the potential to secure Beaconsfield’s future.

Why become part of the Beaconsfield Collection?

Beaconsfield’s curatorial team has a long track record of delivering new work from artists at all stages of their careers. Beaconsfield specialises in encouraging artists to pursue projects of ambition and to experiment, stretching the boundaries of their experience and discipline, without commercial pressure.

The Beaconsfield Collection is part of Beaconsfield’s identity, reflecting the organisation’s ethos and the quality and diversity of its artistic projects. All work offered to the Collection is subject to curatorial approval.

Fraternise procedure:

The artist:

discusses pledging a unique piece of work to the Collection with Beaconsfield
once the offer is agreed, makes a pledge in writing
provides Beaconsfield with a digital image and description of the work, with CV and details of commercial representatives
keeps the work in reserve for Beaconsfield.

Beaconsfield:

catalogues the work
adds the work to the permanent online Collection display
may hold occasional auctions or exhibitions
may accept offers on the open market.

Mutual Benefits:

In the event of the sale of an initial donation, contributors have the opportunity to replenish the collection. 20% of the sale price of any subsequent donation will be returned to the artist.
Fraternising artists have the power to propose mutually supportive events such as lectures, seminars or peer feedback sessions, on the premises of Beaconsfield and taking advantage of the administrative infrastructure. Proposals to be agreed with the curatorial team.

Beaconsfield is grateful to all artists in the Fraternise scheme for their generous support and for participating in the artists’ community that keeps Beaconsfield thriving.