The Discerning Eye

THE DISCERNING EYE is an educational charity, established in the UK in 1990, to encourage a wider understanding and appreciation of the visual arts and to stimulate debate about the place and purpose of art in our society.

The principal focus of the charity is an exhibition each autumn of work by artists independently selected by six experts through an open submission process. The selectors - two artists, two critics and two collectors - also invite artists of their choice, so ensuring emerging and established artists get an opportunity to hang side by side. Each section is hung separately to give each its own distinctive identity. The impression emerges of six small exhibitions within the whole.

The exhibition, sponsored by ING Commercial Banking, is held at the Mall Galleries in London in November each year. Entry is free and all works are for sale. The Discerning Eye adds commission to sales to fund the activities of the charity.

The Discerning Eye also offers bursaries to artists and, through its Friends and Members scheme, special art-related events and offers.

Dollar Street Gallery Director John Penrose is Chairman of The Discerning Eye and aims to use the gallery as a showcase for its activities. Winners of Discerning Eye ING Exhibitions are on display in Cirencester during December and January.