Today The Discerning Eye not only holds its main exhibition but also awards an annual bursary and is frequently involved in a variety of other initiatives aimed at inspiring more people to participate in the visual arts. It is no coincidence that this increased activity coincides with DE's relationship with ING.

The DE/ING relationship has continued to strengthen and develop every year as demonstrated yet again by the recent Platform 100 project at ING's London Head Office (reported on later in this newsletter). Whilst of course it takes a great number of people working very hard to make any relationship or event work, I would like to take this opportunity to pick out two people from ING for special thanks. Both have been staunch supporters of the DE/ING relationship over the years but both are moving on after the next exhibition.

Igno van Waesberghe is ING'S CEO for tne UK and Ireland. He knew about DE before his arrival at ING so we didn't need to be introduced to him. This was just as well, because when his senior staff approached him to discuss the renewal of ING's sponsorship, he alraady appreciated the value of our relationship and approved its continuation even though the City was not at its most buoyant at that time. Igno is returning to his native Holland. We wish him every success.

John Orbell is a name that many of you might hnow, because John has been our main point of contact at ING for the duration of our relationship. John's enthusiasm and commitment to making ING's sponsorship work has been second to none. He has been a constant behind the main exhibition but more importantly a creative driving force behind various initiatives, many of which have been unique, that we have undertaken with the support of Arts And Business to bring art into the workplace. John is very knowledgeable on the subject of art and is a collector in his own right. We wish him well for the future and suggest he leaves a few days free around the middle of November each year as we may need to call on his expertise !

In the meantime, I'm pleased to say tnat ING still has a number of other executives who are very keen on the arts (as is reflected in the magnificent in-house collection) so we look forward to a new era of sponsorship and more exciting projects together in the future.

Finally, I have to thank the 2004 selectors whose efforts never fail to impress me when I visit the open submission selection days. I hope that you will all come to see and, if possible, buy the fruits of their selections in November.

This year's exhibition opens to the public on Thursday 18 November and will run daily (including Sundays) until Sunday 28 November. For Friends and Members of The Discerning Eye, there is a Special Event/preview evening on Wednesday 17 November - see further inside.

 

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