A survey of staff at Barclays Bank has found that there is far more to them than just being shallow bankers. They are serious art lovers, too.
So much so that the world-renowned bank approached the Borough of Poole Arts Project teams to explore an opportunity to work together with artists.
“A team of staff from Barclays invited artists into our offices in order to showcase their works,” explains Lisa Pullman, Financial Sanctions Project Analyst at Barclays.
“The offer on the table was for a minimum two-month exhibition including the opportunity to promote themselves and sell their works directly to Barclays staff. Ten per cent commission on any sales will be retained by Barclays and directed, in full, back into arts projects within Poole. Many artists attended the session and the panel chose their preferred artists and invited them to exhibit at set times during 2013.”
One artist that stood out from the crowd was Brian Freelander from Poole, Dorset who is well known for his paintings of the area.
“Brian made a very professional pitch and we were very impressed with the standard of the pieces he showcased, particularly around the accuracy and detail of his work,” says Lisa. “Brian has been invited to exhibit his work within Barclays House during August, September and October. The exhibition is for Barclays employees only and we are expecting between five to 10 pieces to be on display during this time.”
Brian added: “All too often banks receive bad press but I’d really like to say thank you to Barclays for giving me this opportunity. They are not making any money out of this because the 10 per cent commission they are charging is being ploughed back into art projects in Poole.”
Image: Brownsea Island, Dorset, UK by Brian Freelander
