bespoke commissions

CO-DESIGN A BESPOKE COMMISSION

Since 2003, Outset Contemporary Art Fund has developed public private partnerships, bringing together philanthropists and public art institutions to make ambitious projects possible.

We work closely with individual donors to develop commissions that connect their passions and interests with the priorities of leading cultural institutions globally.

Bespoke commissions produce important works of art that can expand public collections, shape institutional direction, create new opportunities for artists and bring ambitious ideas to wider, more diverse audiences.

“It is a sincere privilege to partner with Outset to commission this series of important works for the National Portrait Gallery. I am thrilled in particular this year to help bring together Andreas Gursky, a master of contemporary photography, with Sir Jonathan Ive, a master of contemporary design. What a special combination it is.”

Scott Collins
“For the fourth iteration of the Robson Orr TenTen Award, we are delighted to support the production of Old Boat, New Weather, a new commissioned screenprint edition by Lubaina Himid. After such an extraordinary year it feels fitting to have this powerful work about histories, refuge and home as the 2021 print. Over this ten-year project, an artist is selected annually by the Government Art Collection and its Advisory Committee and commissioned to create a new print edition that joins the Collection. Celebrating art by leading British artists, TenTen ensures that their work is represented and enjoyed by visitors and staff in British government buildings and embassies around the world. We extend our thanks to Outset who introduced us to the Government Art Collection and are a key part of this impactful journey. TenTen contributes towards the continuing development of the Government Art Collection, that plays such a vital role promoting British art and culture globally.”

Sybil Robson Orr and Matthew Orr

To find out more, contact info@outset.org.uk

Lawrence Lek, Empty Rider, 2024

Outset was delighted to support Lawrence Lek’s Empty Rider at the Biennale de l’Image en Mouvement (A Cosmic Movie Camera) in partnership with arts patron Scott Collins (24 January–16 May ...

Amie Siegel, Vues/Views, 2024-25

Outset was proud to support Amie Siegel's 'Vues/Views' as part of Making Home—Smithsonian Design Triennial at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York in November 2024.'Vues/Views' is ...

PORTRAIT OF MALALA YOUSAFZAI FOR THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

The National Portrait Gallery commissioned a new portrait of Malala Yousafzai, the girls’ education activist by Iranian-born artist and filmmaker, Shirin Neshat, supported by Scott Collins and Lotta Ashdown, ...

PORTRAIT OF SIR JONATHAN IVE BY ANDREAS GURSKY FOR THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

The National Portrait Gallery has commissioned a major new portrait of designer Sir Jonathan 'Jony' Ive by the photographer Andreas Gursky, supported by Scott Collins in partnership ...

PORTRAIT OF SIR NICHOLAS SEROTA FOR THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, 2023

In April 2023, the National Portrait Gallery announced its commission of a new portrait of Sir Nicholas Serota by artist and film director, Sir Steve McQueen. The portrait was ...

THE ROBSON ORR TENTEN AWARD 2018: HURVIN ANDERSON

Expanding on Outset’s partnership with the Government Art Collection (GAC), we have launched The TenTen Commission: a multi-year initiative produced by Outset ...

THE ROBSON ORR TENTEN AWARD 2019: TACITA DEAN CBE RA

Now in its second year, Outset UK was delighted to announce that the Robson Orr TenTen Award has been awarded to Tacita Dean CBE. The print has been commissioned ...

THE ROBSON ORR TENTEN AWARD 2020: YINKA SHONIBARE CBE

Now in its third year, Outset UK was delighted to announce that the Robson Orr TenTen Award has been awarded to Yinka Shonibare CBE, who has created the wonderfully complex ...

THE ROBSON ORR TENTEN AWARD 2021: LUBAINA HIMID CBE

Now in its fourth year, Outset UK was delighted to announce that the 2021 The Robson Orr TenTen Award has been awarded to Lubaina Himid CBE. ...

THE ROBSON ORR TENTEN AWARD 2022: Rachel Whiteread DBE

Now in its fifth year, Outset UK was delighted to announce that the 2022 The Robson Orr TenTen Award has been awarded to Rachel Whiteread DBE ...

THE ROBSON ORR TENTEN AWARD 2023: Michael Armitage

Now in its sixth year, Outset UK was delighted to announce that the 2023 Robson Orr TenTen Award has been awarded to Michael Armitage.In Ngaben, an exquisite new lithograph commissioned ...