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Inspired Flight

Art Barter is a new initiative that attempts to address this issue. Curated by Lauren Jones and Alix Janta Art Barter is a four-day event with a difference. None of the works available will be attributed to the original artist, creating an elaborate guessing game, which will encourage members of the public to barter for artwork that they actually like, and not because of the name attached to it. The event will also include a series of lectures and discussions, chaired by industry big-wigs, that aim to open up the (sometimes) elitist art sphere to a wider audience. 

Held at the Rag Factory, the former studio of Tracey Emin and Gary Hume the artists involved include some of London’s brightest stars, including Tom Gallant, Boo Saville and Polly Morgan. Bidding at art auctions is itself something usually reserved for those with significant amounts of money, so at Art Barter bidders will trade skills and unwanted possessions for the artworks- in fact anything except money.T This is certainly nothing new for artists- Picasso exchanged his sketches for meals, the YBA's swapped paintings for tables at the Ivy. But in an uncertain financial world, where the R-word continues to rear its ugly head- bartering is an easy way to offer something you don’t want in return for something you do. In fact, everyone’s a winner…

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