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

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 ...

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

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. ...

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 ...