In an exclusive interview during the announcement of the Robson Orr TenTen award, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy articulated her vision for the future of the UK’s national art collection. Nandy stressed the critical need to take the collection—comprising 15,000 pieces—out of storage and into communities across the country. “We are determined to get the nation’s great artworks out of the basement and into communities where they belong,” she declared.

Now in its seventh year, the TenTen award commissions British artists to create works for display in UK government buildings worldwide, enriching the national art collection with their contributions. Previous winners include distinguished artists such as Lubaina Himid, Rachel Whiteread, and Michael Armitage.

Nandy expressed her commitment to fostering a widespread appreciation of this cultural treasure. “I want people not only to see these great works but to be inspired to create for the next generation,” she shared.

As the collection approaches its 125th anniversary in 2024, it is currently displayed across various government locations, including British ambassador residences and 10 Downing Street. This year’s award went to Grenada-born British artist Denzil Forrester, who presented his piece “Altar,” which depicts a vibrant dub-reggae dancehall scene from Falmouth, close to his home in Truro, Cornwall.

Forrester described how his art encapsulates the essence of Cornish nightlife, illustrating the interplay of light and sound in the venue. “I’ve used an aerial perspective to capture the crowd fully engaged with the music and the DJ,” he reflected, drawing from his experiences in London’s dynamic club scene.

The Stephen Friedman Gallery will offer prints of Forrester’s work, with proceeds supporting the acquisition of art from underrepresented artists for the government collection. However, Nandy did not provide specifics on how public engagement with the national collection will develop, as it is currently facilitated through partnerships with various institutions.

A report released in September by the Fabian Society advocated for expanding accessibility to national art collections beyond traditional settings, proposing displays in GP surgeries, hospitals, town halls, and libraries to ensure that art, heritage, and culture reach everyone across the UK in their everyday environments.

Since assuming office, Nandy has championed equal access to the arts nationwide, particularly in media sectors where only 8% of the workforce comes from working-class backgrounds. She expressed appreciation for philanthropists Sybil Robson Orr and Matthew Orr, who established the TenTen award, acknowledging their contributions to addressing regional disparities in the art world.

“The national collection is a testament to the incredible talent we have throughout the country, both now and historically,” she asserted passionately. “While talent is distributed everywhere, we recognize that opportunity is not.” Additionally, she highlighted recent government initiatives regarding public art, such as Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement to replace existing artwork in the state room at No. 11 Downing Street with pieces created by or featuring women, celebrating the contributions of remarkable women throughout history. Reports indicate that Keir Starmer has also removed a portrait of Margaret Thatcher from No. 10, signifying a transformative shift in how the government approaches art and history representation.