The Manchester Contemporary Art Fund has raised £34,000 to be spent on art at this year’s fair for the sole purpose of adding to Manchester Art Gallery’s permanent public collection.

The news announced today (November 14th) sets a new record for the largest philanthropic art fund in the north, as it welcomes a further eight members to the collective.

Among those joining for 2024 and testament to the stature of the fund is one of the world’s top 200 art collectors, Frank Cohen, and leading art philanthropist, Jack Livingstone.   It brings the total number of this year’s fund members to 26.

Speaking on the news Executive Chairman of The Manchester Contemporary Art Fund, Thom Hetherington, said:  “The Manchester Contemporary Art Fund is a uniquely multi-faceted cultural catalyst and has an impact on the Northern arts ecology on so many levels.

“It forms a vital part of Manchester Art Gallery’s acquisitions programme and has huge significance for the artists whose works are collected and the galleries who represent them.  This is in turn feeds into the growing reputation of The Manchester Contemporary art fair itself.

“More than this, the fund introduces a new generation of successful Mancunians, both born and adopted, to the joys of arts patronage.  We have huge diversity in the fund, with members from every walk of life and ranging in age from twenty-four to ninety.  For many we are their first opportunity to leave their mark on the city’s art scene, but I have no doubt that we will not be their last. We see the fund as a vital gateway in that regard, and it’s growing every year.”

The Manchester Contemporary Art Fund was founded by Hetherington in 2017 with the aim of supporting rising artists, providing them with a platform through which to achieve critical acclaim and greater popularity.  

Joined by a group of businesspeople and individuals passionate about their city, over the last eight years and including this year’s record funds, The Manchester Contemporary Art Fund has raised £86,000 to be spent on art for inclusion in Manchester Art Gallery.  

This has seen 24 works acquired including two from Rogue Artist Studios in Openshaw (under the collective Rogue Women), and one from Venture Arts studios in Hulme – bridging the gap between the vital grassroots support system that artist studios offer, and representation within a 200-year-old collection.

This year’s recipients will be announced at The Manchester Contemporary on Friday November 15, to follow a rigorous selection process steered by Manchester Art Gallery Senior Creative Lead, Inbal Livne.

The 2024 Manchester Contemporary Art Fund’s Members Include: Christian Anderton, Lisa Ashurst, Pepin Aslett, Jo & Tom Bloxham, Andrew & Savitha Calthorpe, Frank & Cherryl Cohen, Dan Cornwell & Carrie Eyre, Gill Crook, Jon & Rebecca Drape, James & Katie Eden, Matthew Frost, Mark Garner, Emma Holden, Mark & Toni Hawthorn, Thom Hetherington & Sophie Helm, Sam Jones, Nicolas Konig, Jack Livingstone, Alison Loveday, Kate & Leon Martyn, Sarah Moulson, Lucy Noone Blake & David Blake, Howard Ratcliffe & Melissa Ratcliffe, Jeremy & Jane Roberts and Jon Sharples & Martyn Torevell.

The Manchester Contemporary returns to Manchester Central this November 15-17.  Tickets are available now at www.themanchestercontemporary.co.uk/tickets-opening-times from £12 plus booking fee.