Philanthropists back new Manchester Art Fund
A new Manchester contemporary art fund founded by entrepreneur Thom Hetherington is one of the notable successes of the 2022 Manchester Art Fair held in November.
The UK’s most ambitious art fair saw a 58% increase in visitors and 60% more art sales than last year as the North’s art lovers flocked to Manchester Central in record-breaking numbers this November.
The Manchester Contemporary Art Fund, one of the largest philanthropic art funds outside of London announced four new artworks to join the permanent collection at Manchester Art Gallery.
Entrepreneur Thom Hetherington, the fund’s founder, and the driving force behind the Manchester Art Fair said, “This art fund brings together a set of people who have all built their success from the city, and presents the opportunity for them to give something back, to leave a legacy. Acquiring these artworks, that are owned by the people of Manchester and that will be displayed alongside Manchester Art Gallery’s permanent collection, is an incredibly powerful thing and I think every fund member gets a real thrill out of being part of that process.”
Organisers claim the event is now the UK’s largest and most significant art fair. Over 135 UK and international exhibitors took part showing the work of over 500 artists alongside the Jeff Koons designed BMW, a sculpture commission especially for Manchester Art Fair and a programme of talks with leading artists including Ryan Gander and Stanley Chow.
Visitor numbers increased 58% year on year to 13,039 over the three days of the event. Sales of art rose to a record £798,405, an increase of 60% on 2021’s record. And the Manchester Contemporary Art Fund provided over £7000 to acquire four more pieces from the fair for Manchester Art Gallery’s public collection.
Managing Director Sophie Helm, said: “Every year we try to deliver an even better experience for everyone who attends, this year it really had a special buzz and feeling of excitement, that immeasurable ‘it’ factor. It felt like the whole of the city’s arts and culture scene descended on Manchester Central for the three days of the fair. I’m very pleased that we continue to build something which supports independent artists and galleries and proves that the art world in the UK doesn’t revolve around London.”
Manchester Art Fair will return to Manchester Central on 17-19 November 2023.
