Acquisition fund allows museums to acquire art from Frieze - Museums Association

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Acquisition fund allows museums to acquire art from Frieze

Mima receives works addressing themes of colonisation and migration
Nicola Sullivan
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The Contemporary Art Society (CAS) has acquired two moving image works by John Akomfrah and Kader Attia at the Frieze London art fair for Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (Mima), addressing themes of colonisation and migration.

Peripeteia, 2012, by John Akomfrah, and Dispossession, 2013, by Kader Attia were purchased through the CAS's collections fund, which was set up in 2012 and is working in partnership with Frieze London.

The scheme supports the acquisition of significant contemporary works for CAS’s museum members across the UK. Its primary aims are to draw together the knowledge, experience and expertise of private collectors with that of museum curators.

Caroline Douglas, the director of CAS, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to acquire two works that from quite different viewpoints address Europe’s historical relationship with the African continent – its people and cultures. These are topics of enormous political and social relevance today and it is particularly pertinent to place these works into Middlesbrough’s collection.”
 
Alistair Hudson, the director of Mima, said: “In austere times it is becoming increasingly difficult for museums to add to their collections and this award enables us to make sure our collection continues to talk to our communities and the challenges we face.

"In line with our new vision, it is vital that we are able to respond to current urgencies, both local and global. These two works don’t just reflect the history that has formed our current culture; they can be used actively, as tools, in our work towards social change.”

This year’s Frieze London took place in Regent’s Park from 6-9 October.


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