Testing Media was a joint project between The Contemporary Art Society and the Art Fund, designed to support the acquisition of significant contemporary works presenting particular challenges around display and conservation. These included those realised in unusual media, incorporating performance art or using contemporary digital technology. A key aim of the project was to help curators and conservators better understand how works can be re-experienced and re-interpreted in future years.
The Art Fund gave £50,000 to the scheme for the acquisition of works and additional funding of £10,000 for research and knowledge sharing. The Contemporary Art Society also made £10,000 available towards the acquisitions.
2014 saw the purchase of Marvin Gaye Chetwynd’s performance work Home Made Tasers for the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery in Leicester, as well as a group of works by Mel Brimfield for the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston, with the Peter Scott Gallery at Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts.