2009 saw the inauguration of the Outset Acquisition Fund for the Royal College of Art. The annual fund of £10,000, to be spent on purchasing works from graduating students and on a student award, is the first of its kind for the Royal College Collection. Every year, one student selected by a committee is awarded a 12-month studio space at Studio Voltaire, one of London’s leading independent galleries. Outset has committed to the fund for three years.
Professor David Rayson, Head of Painting, said: “The support from Outset Contemporary Art Fund will enable the College to purchase an exciting selection of work. With each consecutive year the College Collection will grow from strength to strength, continuing to gain in its importance as an invaluable resource for the College, future students and external exhibitions.”
The inaugural Outset Acquisition Fund was used to purchase 6 works by the following students; Nathan Barlex (Split Second), Robin Footitt (Polytechnic; Dark Eyes London), Caroline Walker (St Pauls Road 7am; St Pauls Road 4.15pm) and Lucy Moore (Sicily 1998/2009).
In addition, Lucy Moore was awarded the Outset Prize, worth £3,500. This will be used towards funding a 12 month studio space at Studio Voltaire, one of London’s leading independent galleries as well as to provide continued mentoring support from within the College.
Candida Gertler, Co-Director and Trustee of the Outset Contemporary Fund and a member of the selection committee, said: “The Outset Contemporary Art is delighted to enable the inaugural Outset / RCA Acquisitions Fund. The collaboration will help strengthen the RCA’s already considerable collection, while providing financial support for graduating students. The Fund also comprises an award that will help the winning student set up a studio after graduating.”
Professor David Rayson, Head of Painting, added “The support from Outset Contemporary Art will enable the College to purchase an exciting selection of work. With each consecutive year the College Collection will grow from strength to strength, continuing to gain in its importance as an invaluable resource for the College, future students and external exhibitions.”
The selection committee: Candida Gertler and Sam Thorne, from the Outset Contemporary Art Fund; Katy Ostro, Outset Contemporary Art fund Patron; Achim Borchardt-Hume, Whitechapel/Tate; and David Rayson and Juliet Thorp, from the Royal College of Art.WRITERRCADATE1 June 2009
Following acquisitions have included works by Majed Aslam, Adam Bainbridge, Simon Mathers, Tuesday Nesbitt, Avis Underwood, Jonathan Joubert, Helena Popova and Freya Wright.