In many communities, the arts could use a boost from local residents. As online shops continue to pull funds away from hometown painters, craftspeople, sculptors, and other talented creators, the art scene in hundreds of cities is in danger of dying off. What’s the solution? It’s not to abandon online sellers of crafts and art objects. Instead, the most effective way to boost your city’s creative artists is to volunteer at special events, give direct financial support to a future artist, patronize local creators, take a painting or sculpting class, or join a museum society.
There’s no one best way to keep a city’s artistic community alive and thriving. Fortunately, there are many different tactics to get the job done. The main goal is to become part of the solution by taking a proactive stance. Don’t assume that others will take up the task in your stead. Contact a nearby museum and ask about volunteer positions. Attend art walks and get to know a few working painters, jewelry makers, and other craft specialists. Here are some actionable suggestions to get started.
Volunteer
You don’t have to make a career of it, there are creative ways to fundraise for charity that can help a great deal. Contact your town’s museums and ask about how to become an official guide or docent. There’s usually training involved, but the work can be interesting and quite fun for those who enjoy history, science, art, and cultural studies. The greatest need is for public guides who conduct tours for small groups of guests or the general public. If you’ve ever been to a big-city museum that was short on guides, you already know how important the role is. Hours are flexible, and there are some benefits, like free museum admission, discounts on special events, and the chance to meet famous artists and performers.
Support a Future Artist’s Education
If you wish to offer direct financial assistance for a future artist, consider cosigning on their college loan. Many young adults have a hard time getting approved for loan applications because they have little or no financial history. But being a cosigner is a serious move, one that you should think about in advance. It’s tempting to agree if a family friend asks you to cosign so they can attend art school.
But if you wonder should you cosign on a person’s student loan, be sure to find out all the pertinent facts about the possible downside of cosigning, like being legally obligated to take over payments if the person defaults. In any case, working adults who are devoted to the arts can cosign on a college loan and streamline a young person’s loan approval for college. Appending your signature to someone else’s loan application has pros and cons, so educate yourself before agreeing to or declining a young person’s request for help.
Patronize Local Artists
Attending local art walks and other exhibitions where creators sell their works. Patronizing working artists by buying their goods or taking classes in painting or sculpture are just a couple of the ways you can support your city’s artistic community. Most museums and galleries have small stores where local painters and others offer their for-sale items to the public. Consider buying seasonal gifts at the stores whenever possible.
Photo by Antoni Shkraba:
