Easy & Affordable Way to Support the Arts

Support the artsPhoto by Kai Oberhäuser on Unsplash

When we think of a patron of the arts, we likely think of a big donor who can afford to contribute large sums of money to an organization or a museum. While that is certainly one way to support the arts, it’s actually possible for any person to support art and artists. It’s not even difficult, time-consuming, or expensive, but the results can be powerful and have lasting effects.

I know that I can be a better supporter of the arts. I have friends who are writers, artists, and photographers. I know someone who upcycles old furniture to make it beautiful and chic. I have another friend who makes earrings and yet another who makes ceramic planters, mugs, and jewelry. Not all of them are full-time artists, but they all use their talent and passion to create beauty. Even with a limited budget, there are so many ways to show support.

How to Become a Patron of the Arts

Utilize Local Photographers

Instead of heading to a portrait studio, use individual photographers. Many freelance photographers and entrepreneurs offer specials, mini sessions, and other affordable options. Instead of giving our money to a corporation that likely overworks and underpays its employees, we can support the dreams of the small business. If we don’t know any photographers personally, we can ask for recommendations from friends. We can also check out this local photographer feature on Charlotte Detienne.

Decorate and Gift with Local Art

When we have friends who create visual art, we can think of them when we are decorating our homes or are shopping for gifts. Instead of buying from a big box store, we can purchase art from friends. We can also shop at local art galleries rather than buying mass-produced paintings or other art. Decorating and gifting with local art has never been easier. The Madison Artists Guild and Gallery at 125 West Jefferson is the perfect place to find the work of local artists, authors, and craftspersons.

Attend Gallery Openings

We can attend gallery openings or other exhibits where our friends’ work is on display. We can share the event and help spread the word to increase attendance. In Madison, there are often local events at the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art, The Madison Artists Guild and Gallery, and The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. Following their social media pages or subscribing to information on their websites can be a great way to stay informed about upcoming events.

Attend Local Shows and Hire Local Bands

If we want to support musicians, we can attend local shows, hire local bands rather than using pre-recorded music or a DJ, and purchase demos or other merchandise the artist sells to promote their work. Local musicians often perform at Dolce Caffe and Amici in Madison and at Yesterday Cafe in nearby Rutledge.

Attend Local Book Signings and Purchase from Local Authors

If we would like to be a patron of literature and writing, we can buy books for ourselves or as gifts. We can attend book signings and other author events. We can share articles we enjoy and encourage our family and friends to read them. We can leave comments on their articles. The Madison Artists Guild and Gallery features the work of several local authors, and book signings happen often in town. Supporting local authors is an easy and affordable way to support the arts.

Like and Follow Area Artists

We can like and follow the social media pages of artists we admire. When they allow reviews, we can post a glowing review of their work. While liking their work and following them on social media seems simple, it's an easy, free way to show support.

Share Local Events

We can share events that promote the arts and attend them when we can. Following local businesses can keep up abreast of upcoming events. One of my favorite Facebook pages to follow is Main Street Madison Georgia.

Participate in Fundraisers

We can participate in fundraisers that promote the arts. This is another way to support the arts. For instance, the Friends of the Local Library group offers a book sale each year that goes to support the library, which in turn often supports local authors and artists. Whether we choose to donate books for the sale, buy books at the sale, or simply donate funds directly to support the library, we can find a way to support the community and the arts.

Refer and Review

We can refer friends and family members to artists we know by actively sharing their work and giving our recommendations. Spreading the word about local art can be as simple as posting a photo with the art, book, or craft and tagging the business or artists on social media. This lets others know about it. Leaving a strong, positive review is another way to support art.

Subscribe

We can subscribe to magazines, newspapers, YouTube channels, and blogs that we enjoy. We can even sign up for emails at the website of any art gallery or organization that we would like to continue to support.

Purchase Seasonal Memberships

We can purchase season passes to art cinemas, theaters, museums, and other performing arts locations. In Madison, we have a cultural center, art galleries, and other art-related organizations that we can support. Purchasing seasonal memberships is an easy way to be a modern patron of the arts.

Broaden Our View

We can remember that the arts aren’t so narrow as to only include literature, music, and painting. Art can include dancing, theater, fashion, film, and architecture. We can attend performances, wear clothes that support sustainable fashion, and promote small businesses. We can go out to films to show our support or share videos that educate about the artists we admire.

There are so many ways to support the arts as a patron. We don’t have to be a big corporate donor. We don’t even have to make it about money at all. We can simply show up for the artists in our lives, cheer their efforts, and spread the word so that others can know about them, too. We can start thinking in terms of gifting while supporting the arts and be conscious of how raising awareness can also impact the future of the artist.

The arts add beauty to our lives. Artists create them and do so often with little financial reward. It’s not often a lucrative profession in most cases. We can all do a little better to support the art and artists in our lives so that they can keep adding beauty, truth-telling, and meaning to our lives.

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