5 Practical Ways to Support Local Artists in Your Community

Published on 21 July 2023 5 min read

Buy art directly from local artists
Attend artist exhibitions and open studio events
Commission a piece of art
Promote local artists on social media
Provide space for artists to work or exhibit

Art has always been a vital part of our communities, acting as a mirror that reflects our cultures, stories, and realities. It's time we give back to the creators who enrich our lives with their work. If you've ever wondered about how you can contribute to the art scene right in your own neighborhood, then you're in for a treat. Here are five practical ways to start supporting local artists.

Buy art directly from local artists

One of the most straightforward ways for you to show your support for local artists is by buying their work directly from them. Not only does this put money in the artist's pocket, but it also allows you to have a piece of your community's culture hanging on your wall. Here's why this matters and how you can do it:

Why Buying Directly Benefits Artists

When you buy directly from an artist, you're ensuring that most of your money goes to the artist, rather than a middleman. This financial boost can make a massive difference to artists, allowing them to continue creating and experimenting with their craft.

How to Buy Art Directly

Visit the artist's studio or website: Many artists sell their work directly from their studios or via their online platforms. By choosing to buy from these sources, you're directly supporting the artist's livelihood.
Check out local art markets: Art markets are a great place to find unique pieces and get to know the local art scene. Plus, it's a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon—wandering around, discovering new artists, and maybe even finding the perfect piece for your home.

So, the next time you're looking for a new piece of art, consider buying directly from a local artist—it's a great way to show your support and get a beautiful piece of art in return.

Attend artist exhibitions and open studio events

Attending local artist exhibitions and open studio events is another fantastic method of supporting local artists. It's not just about the potential purchase of art; it's also about showing your appreciation and understanding of their work. Let's delve a little deeper into the "why" and "how" of this.

Why Attend Local Art Events

Art isn't created in a vacuum—it's a form of communication, a way of expressing thoughts, emotions, and perspectives. By attending local art events, you're not only showing your support for local artists but also engaging in a dialogue with them. Your presence validates their effort and encourages them to keep creating.

How to Attend Local Art Events

Find out about upcoming events: Look out for flyers around your local area, check community bulletin boards, or visit local listings websites. You might be surprised at how vibrant your local art scene is!
Engage with the artists: Don't be shy—talk to the artists if they're present at the event. Ask about their work, their inspiration, and their process. It’s a great way to show your interest and appreciation, and you'll likely learn something new too.

Attending local art events isn't just about supporting the local art scene—it's also about enriching your own understanding and appreciation of art. So, why not check out what's on in your community this weekend?

Commission a piece of art

Commissioning a piece of art is not only a direct way of supporting local artists, but it also results in you owning a unique piece that holds personal significance. Let's explore why this is beneficial and how you can go about it.

Why Commission Art

When you commission a work of art, you're investing directly in the artist's time and skills, providing them with financial support. Additionally, you're gaining a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your personal taste and can be a conversation starter in your home or office.

How to Commission Art

Choose an artist: Look for an artist whose work resonates with you. You can find local artists by visiting art shows, galleries, or even browsing social media and local art websites.
Discuss your vision: Once you've chosen an artist, reach out to them and discuss your ideas. Remember, it's a collaboration, so be open to their suggestions and input.
Agree on terms: Be sure to discuss pricing, timeframe, and other details upfront. This ensures a smooth process for both you and the artist.

Commissioning art can be a rewarding experience that results in a unique piece that you'll cherish. At the same time, you're supporting local artists, providing them with the resources they need to continue creating their art. So, why not consider commissioning a local artist for your next art purchase?

Another effective and enjoyable way of supporting local artists is by promoting them on social media. With the power of a single post, you can help raise awareness about their work, potentially reaching hundreds or even thousands of people.

Your social media platforms are more influential than you might think. By sharing a local artist's work, you're helping to increase their visibility, which can lead to more followers, more commissions, and more sales. Plus, it's a fantastic way to show your appreciation for their talent and creativity.

Share their work: If you own a piece by a local artist or just admire their work, take a photo and share it on your social media platforms. Be sure to tag the artist and use relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
Highlight their stories: Artists often have fascinating stories behind their work. With their permission, share these stories to help others connect with the art on a deeper level.
Engage with their posts: Like, comment on, and share artists' posts to boost their visibility. This not only helps the artist reach a wider audience but also shows your support and appreciation for their work.

Promoting local artists on social media is a simple yet significant way of supporting their work. It's a win-win scenario—you get to fill your feed with beautiful artwork, and the artists receive much-needed exposure. So, next time you scroll through Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, why not take a moment to share some local art?

Provide space for artists to work or exhibit

One of the most direct ways you can support local artists is by providing them with space to create or display their work. Let's explore how you can do this and why it's so important.

The Challenge Artists Face with Space

Artists often struggle to find affordable, accessible spaces to create or showcase their work. This challenge is especially prominent for artists who work with large-scale pieces or need specific conditions for their art. By offering space, you can help alleviate this common hurdle, directly contributing to their success.

How You Can Help

Offer your space: If you have a spare room, garage, or other unused space, consider offering it to a local artist as a studio. They'll appreciate having a dedicated place to bring their visions to life.
Host an art show: If you have a large home, office, or other venue, consider hosting an art exhibition. This can provide artists with a much-needed platform to showcase their work and interact with potential buyers.
Collaborate with local businesses: Reach out to local businesses and suggest they display local art. Cafes, restaurants, bookshops, and other establishments often have wall space that can be used to exhibit art, giving local artists more exposure.

Providing space for artists can be a powerful way of supporting local artists. Not only does it allow them to create and showcase their work, but it also brings art into our everyday spaces, enriching our communities and our lives.

If you're inspired to support local artists and want to learn more about how crowdfunding can make a difference, check out the workshop 'Crowdfunding for Independent Artists 101' by Sameera Maruvada. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and strategies on how to effectively crowdfund for independent artists in your community.