What is Own Art?
Own Art is a programme run in partnership with Arts Council England, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Creative Scotland, enabling you to spread the cost of your original art purchase over 10 months with an interest-free loan. It’s designed to reduce financial barriers, support artists, and make living with art easier and more affordable.
What can I buy with Own Art?
When people think about buying ‘art’, they often imagine high-cost paintings or huge sculptures. In reality, Own Art covers a wide range of original, handmade work.
At The Biscuit Factory, this includes:
Whether you’re buying a statement artwork, a meaningful gift, or a collection of smaller pieces, Own Art can help.
How does Own Art work?
You can borrow between £100 and £25,000 and spread the cost over 10 equal monthly payments with no interest and no extra fees. Application takes less than ten minutes and you will receive a decision straight away.
You can:
Part-finance a larger purchase
Combine several smaller items into one loan
Apply for multiple pieces in a single application
This means you could take home your chosen artwork straight away and pay from as little as £10 per month, depending on the total.
Who is eligible for Own Art?
Own Art is available to permanent UK residents aged 18 or over, subject to status.
You must be able to meet one of the following criteria in order to apply for a loan:
Working at least 16 hours a week (employed or self-employed)
Retired and in receipt of a pension
In receipt of a disability allowance, such as PIP or ADP
If you are a permanent UK resident, over the age of 18 and have an income (either from working at least 16 hours a week or from a pension or disability allowance) you will most likely be eligible for Own Art. We can guide you through a quick and easy application process that will give you an instant decision. If you do not meet one of these criteria but are married to or living with a partner who does, then you may still apply provided that your partner is happy for their income details to be included on your application form.
All applications are subject to credit checks.
What do I need to apply in the gallery?
If you’re applying in the gallery, you’ll need to bring proof of ID. This could include:
A driving license
A utility bill
You will also need a valid credit or debit card, as proof of signature.
Can I use Own Art online?
Yes, but there are a few important things to note:
Online orders must be delivered
Delivery must be to the applicant’s billing address
If you’d prefer to collect your artwork from the gallery, please contact us to arrange an in-store appointment.
Is there anything I can’t buy with Own Art?
Own Art can only be used for the sale of original artworks. Most prints we sell are eligible for Own Art, including traditional printing methods (e.g. screenprinting, lithography, etching) and original digital prints where the artist has used digital technology specifically to conceive and create an image in this medium. However, Giclée prints that are reproductions of original images created in other media are excluded, even if they have been signed and numbered by the artists.
Can I include the cost of framing and/or delivery as part of the Own Art loan?
Yes, provided those services are arranged by us. Please make sure you have requested framing or delivery at the start of the loan application process.
Who provides the loan?
Own Art loans are provided by Novuna Personal Finance.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
No, a deposit is not necessary. You can pay a deposit if you would like to reduce your monthly payments, provided the total loan amount is over £100, but there is no obligation to do so.
How is payment collected?
Payment will be taken monthly by direct debit, over a period of 10 months. Your first payment will be debited from your account around 4 weeks after your application is approved. You will be provided with login details to manage your Own Art loan online, and there is no charge if you want to pay off your Own Art loan early.
Can I use the scheme more than once?
Yes certainly, there is no limit to the number of times you can use Own Art. You can also have multiple loan agreements live at the same time. Please note that each application is subject to a full credit search and affordability checks.
What happens if my loan application is unsuccessful?
An application for credit may be turned down for a number of reasons. If this happens you will receive an email from Novuna Personal Finance explaining their decision. You can reapply at a later date if circumstances change.
I’m looking for a specific artwork, can you help?
Yes! Our friendly and knowledgeable gallery team would be glad to assist you in finding your ideal piece. In addition to the works available on our website and in gallery, we also hold a wide range of past works in our storerooms. If you’re searching for something specific, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
If you have any further questions or would like help choosing artwork through Own Art:
Email: art@thebiscuitfactory.com
Call: 0191 261 1103
