York | 01904 634221
Own Art
Own Art, in partnership with the Arts Council
All artworks showing the Own Art logo are eligible for an interest free loan. For details, feel free to telephone the gallery on 01904 634221

Own Art.

Thanks to interest free loans from Own Art, collecting fine art is easier and more affordable than ever before.

Own Art is a national initiative that makes buying fine art easy and affordable by allowing collectors to spread the cost of a purchase over 10 months with an interest free loan of £100 to £25,000. No deposit is required, and the application takes only a matter of minutes. Once approved for a loan, collectors may take home their purchase to savour and enjoy immediately.

To be eligible for an Own Art loan, an applicant must be:

  • Over 18
  • Resident in the UK
  • In permanent employment for over 16 hours each week, self-employed, receiving a disability allowance or retired and receiving a pension

To apply for an Own Art loan, an applicant must provide

  • Proof of address, such as a driving license, utility bill, bank statement or other official document
  • Proof of signature, such as a driving license, passport, credit/debit card or H.M. Forces Identity card
  • Details of a bank account that allows direct debit
  • Details of employment, pension or disability allowance

Frequently Asked Questions:

What artwork can I buy with an Own Art loan?
At York Fine Arts, Own Art loans can be used for the purchase of fine art including original paintings and some sculpture, so long as it is by a living artist. Unfortunately, the gallery’s collection of prints and limited edition prints are ineligible for Own Art loans. If you wish to purchase these items by the gallery’s own set aside scheme, please speak with a member of staff.

Can I apply for an Own Art loan if I am a student or unemployed?
Generally, no. However, if living with a partner who is employed, you may apply as a ‘house person’ and use the employment details of your partner for the application. You may also apply if you are a full-time student doctor or nurse, or if you are a part-time student working over 16 hours a week in permanent employment.

Do I need to pay a deposit?
No. A deposit is not required when applying for an Own Art loan; but if you wish, you may pay a deposit to reduce the amount of the loan, and thus, your 10 monthly payments.

Can I use an Own Art loan to buy artwork directly from an artist?
No. Own Art loans are available through selected galleries, museums and other arts organisations that have been approved by Arts Council England, Creative Scotland or Arts Council of Northern Ireland as registered members of the scheme.

Can I buy multiple pieces of artwork with an Own Art loan?
Yes. You may have multiple amount of artworks on one scheme so long as the total amount of the loan is between £100 and £25,000.  

Can I use the scheme more than once?
Absolutely. There is no limit to the number of times you may use the scheme. After completing their first Own Art purchase, many collectors continue to build their collections using the scheme.

When will I need to make my first payment?
If approved for an Own Art loan, your first payment will normally be debited from your account around 4 weeks after the date on which you signed the agreement.

Am I able to pay off the loan early?
Yes. There are no early redemption charges whatsoever. You can arrange to pay off the loan in full at any time by contacting Novuna Personal Finance.

Own Art is a Creative United initiative supported by Arts Council England, Creative Scotland and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, delivered in partnership with Novuna Personal Finance.

Representive 0% APR. Credit subject to status and affordability. Terms and Conditions Apply. Credit is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Click here for information about the gallery's Set Aside purchase option.