Investing in the Arts: British Council unveils The White Horse

On Tuesday at the British Council there was a talk about investment in arts programmes around the world, which was followed by the unveiling of The White Horse, a new sculpture by British painter, video artist and sculptor, Mark Wallinger.

At the heart of the discussion were the investments the British Council will make in the future. They include the UK’s creative economy, as well as global creative and cultural skills programmes, which will aim to develop a range of partnerships with the UK education and creative sectors. The speakers at the event were Graham Sheffield (Director of Arts) and Andrea Rose (Director of Visual Arts). They spoke about the increase of £21.5 million in planned funding for arts programmes around the world (at no cost to the British taxpayer).  Sheffield took to the podium and declared: “This will be a basis for dialogue around the world”, adding that Wallinger’s statue itself would “contribute introspectively to the UK’s cultural projection”. He went on to discuss social cohesion and the freedom of expression that would increase trade, tourism and international interest.

The location of Wallinger’s White Horse is apt when considering the constant procession of horses through Spring Gardens, which crosses The Mall between Admiralty Arch and Trafalgar Square. The sculpture cost £50,000, and will stand outside the British Council for two years (the usual period, according to Director of Arts Andrea Rose). 

Overall, the atmosphere at the British Council was one of optimism, and it will certainly be interesting to see what their next steps are in procuring other works of art, as well as their investments in the future.

Conor Nyhan

Photos: Conor Nyhan

For further information about The White Horse visit here .

A selection of Mark Wallinger’s work is on permanent display at Tate Modern, for further information visit here.