The high-profile sculptor Antony Gormley has donated art worth half a million pounds to the Labour party ahead of the UK general election on 4 July. According to Electoral Commission records, Gormley gave the “non-cash” contribution to the Labour party on 18 June. White Cube gallery, which represents Gormley, confirmed that the donation consisted of works of art.
This follows similar moves by other UK-based artists. In January, Grayson Perry gave a “non-cash” donation of £180,000 to the Labour party while Maggi Hambling donated £85,000 (also “non-cash”) the same month. A spokesperson for Hambling says that “Maggi is in the same category as Gormley and Perry, i.e. she donated a work”. Perry’s gallery, Victoria Miro, was contacted for comment.
A statement issued in May by the Labour party said that “leading artists… have pledged their support for the Labour party’s commitment to ensuring that the arts subjects form part of a reformed curriculum and that every child enjoys a high-quality arts education.” Labour leader Keir Starmer added: “If we are privileged enough to serve, my Labour government will work hand in glove with our creative industries. We will support the arts and creative industries to create more opportunities and secure jobs in the sector.”
The statement adds: “The following artists have given financial support or pledged works: Antony Gormley, Ryan Gander, Maggi Hambling, Lubaina Himid, Damien Hirst, Anish Kapoor, Grayson Perry, Brian Clarke and Rachel Whiteread.” The Art Newspaper understands that works donated will be sold in aid of Labour, though how and when remains unclear. All of the artists were contacted for comment.
The main political parties outlined their plans for the UK cultural sector last month in their respective manifestos.
