As a community, it is important to show our support for the hardworking artists who bring creativity and inspiration to our lives. There are many ways to show your support for artists in your community, from attending their events to offering financial assistance. Here are 10 great ways to show your support for the talented and dedicated artists in your area.
1) Buy their work
When you support your local artists by buying their work, you are helping to create a vibrant creative economy in your community. By investing in the creative talent of your area, you are investing in its future. There are many ways to purchase artwork, such as at art shows, galleries, or directly from the artist themselves. You can also find artwork online and support local businesses that specialize in selling original art. Buying art helps to ensure that the artist has the resources to continue creating and developing their craft. Furthermore, you can have the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting your local artists and the economy at the same time.
2) Go to their shows/exhibitions
Attending an artist’s show or exhibition is one of the best ways to support them. By showing up to their events, you not only show that you care about their work and value them as an artist, but also help to strengthen your local economy. Supporting the creative arts is integral for a thriving economy, so by attending artists’ shows or exhibitions, you are helping to ensure that the creative community in your area will remain vibrant and active. Moreover, you get to enjoy the unique experience of seeing the art in person and engaging with the artist! So, if you’re looking for ways to show your support for the artists in your community, try going to their shows or exhibitions!
3) Follow them on social media and credit their name if you share!
Social media is an important tool for artists to use to promote their work and reach out to new audiences. When you follow them online, you are helping them to increase their visibility and reach more people. Additionally, if you share their work with your own followers, make sure to credit them! This small gesture can make a huge impact on the artist's ability to build their community and get the recognition they deserve. When you support artists by crediting their name when you share their work, you are showing them that you value their work and the hard work they put into it. This is an essential part of creating an environment where artists feel supported and encouraged to continue producing quality work.
4) Share their work with others - word of mouth!
Sharing your favorite artists' work with others is a great way to show your support. When you find something you love, whether it be a painting, a song, a piece of performance art, or anything else, tell people about it! Ask your friends if they know the artist and if they don't, suggest that they take a look at their work. You can also post about it on social media, but make sure to credit the artist. By talking about an artist's work and spreading the word, you are helping them reach new audiences and get more exposure.
5) Hire them and pay them per their experience level
As an artist, being able to find work and make a living off of your craft is incredibly difficult. That's why it's important to pay artists for their work, not just hire them and hope for the best. When you hire an artist, make sure to pay them for their experience level. Just like a plumber, a doctor, a lawyer, or other field, an artist has worked for years to learn their skill. Acknowledge the talent, skill, and years of hard work that have gone into their work, and pay them appropriately. If you are hiring an amateur or budding artist, make sure to compensate them for their time and efforts. Paying an artist fairly is the best way to support their craft and show that you value their work.
6) Donate to a local arts organization
One of the best ways to support artists in your community is to donate to a local arts organization. Arts organizations not only provide opportunities for artists to practice and share their craft, educate the community on the value of art, but they also enrich our communities with vibrant culture and arts. By donating to a local arts organization, you are helping ensure that the work of these hard-working artists will be seen and appreciated for many years to come.
There are several ways to donate to a local arts organization. The most common way is to make a financial donation directly to the organization. However, there are other ways to contribute as well. You can donate your time and talents by volunteering or teaching classes. You can also donate materials such as art supplies or equipment, or donate money or services to help cover operational costs.
No matter how you choose to donate, it's important to remember that your contribution is going directly towards supporting the local art community in your area. By doing so, you are helping to ensure that the work of these talented individuals is seen and appreciated for many years to come.
7) Ask an artist to do a Commissioned Piece of Art
If you’re looking for a unique way to support an artist in your community, consider commissioning them to create something special. Commissioning artwork is a great way to make sure that the art you receive is exactly what you want and need. Plus, it helps give the artist a sense of purpose and creates a personal connection between you and the artist.
When commissioning artwork, it’s important to think about your budget, as well as the timeframe in which you would like the artwork completed. It’s also important to provide detailed instructions and clear expectations about the type of artwork you are looking for so that the artist can deliver a piece that meets your needs. Make sure to discuss all of the details before committing to any commissions, as this will help to avoid any miscommunications or misunderstandings along the way.
Once you’ve agreed on a price and timeframe, consider providing some kind of deposit to ensure that the artist is committed to completing the work. This will help make sure that the artwork is completed in a timely manner. Also, make sure to thank the artist for their hard work upon completion of the artwork - they’ll certainly appreciate it!
By commissioning artwork from a local artist, you can help them continue to create more beautiful pieces of art while simultaneously adding a unique touch to your home or office. So, if you’re looking for a meaningful way to support an artist in your community, don’t hesitate to commission a piece of artwork. You’ll be glad you did!
8) Take an art class from a local artist
If you want to support your local artist even more, why not take an art class from them? Taking an art class from a local artist gives you the unique opportunity to not only develop new skills but also get to know the artist more intimately. Many artists are passionate about their craft and love to share it with others. By taking an art class from them, you’re showing your support while also learning more about their creative process. Plus, you get the chance to take home a masterpiece of your own!
When searching for a local artist offering art classes, consider asking around at local galleries or check out listings online. This can be a great way to find an artist whose style resonates with you and who offers classes in the medium that interests you most. Make sure you read up on the artist’s teaching experience and credentials before signing up for a class.
Don’t forget to show up prepared for the class! This means bringing the necessary materials for the class such as paints, brushes, canvas, and other supplies. Most artists will be willing to provide these supplies for a fee, so make sure to ask about that beforehand.
Take this as an opportunity to learn from an expert in the field and create something beautiful. Not only will you gain valuable skills, but you’ll also be showing your support to a local artist - which is one of the best ways to show them you appreciate their work.
9) Get to know the artists in your community - talk with them!
Asking an artist about their artwork is a great way to show your support for the arts in your community. Showing an interest in the artist’s work lets them know that you value their work and respect the time and effort they put into their craft. An artist loves to talk about their artwork and what inspired it, so use this opportunity to get to know the artist better. Ask the artist about the history of their artwork, the materials they use, the process behind creating a piece, and any advice they might have for aspiring artists. This can be a great way to build relationships with the artist and learn more about how art is created. Plus, who knows - you may even find a new favorite piece of art in the process!
10) Understand that art is all around you
Art is everywhere in our world – it isn't confined to a museum or gallery space. The everyday items we interact with on a daily basis are often the product of an artist’s hard work, from the logo of your favorite food joint to the backdrop of a television show or movie. Art can be found in almost everything we encounter, and it’s important to remember that it has immense value and should be celebrated.
It’s important to make sure that you appreciate art in its various forms and support local artists in your community. Take the time to visit art galleries and museums, attend concerts and shows, purchase art prints or handmade items, or volunteer at an arts organization. By doing this, you’re making sure that the artistic talent and vision of your community is appreciated and supported.
Artists are often the unsung heroes of our communities – they often work for little pay and are rarely given the recognition they deserve. But by understanding and appreciating the art that is all around us, we can help bring attention to these artists and make sure their hard work is acknowledged and celebrated. So take a moment to look around and appreciate the art that surrounds you – you might be surprised by how much is there!