5 Good Reasons to Support Up-and-Coming Local Grassroots Artists

When we talk about art, what may immediately come to mind are posh galleries filled with expensive pieces that only the wealthy can afford. But there’s more to the contemporary art scene than artworks whose price tags only suit art patrons with deep pockets.

 

On the other side of the coin are art pieces made by local grassroots artists. This sector of the art scene is made up of individuals or groups who operate independently, often at a local or community level. Instead of support from wealthy patrons or major institutions, many of these artists rely on self-promotion, community engagement, and grassroots efforts to showcase and distribute their work.

 

What are the benefits of expanding your knowledge about today’s art sector and supporting your local artists? Here are five good reasons to seek out up-and-coming local grassroots artists and to support their craftsmanship through a reputable online platform like DROOL: 

 

1) It Will Contribute to the Local Economy

 

 

Art is not just an aesthetic pursuit, but also an economic and cultural force that can shape the livelihood and well-being of whole communities. When you support up-and-coming grassroots artists, you’ll be able to contribute to the local economy in more ways than one. Your investment in their art will create a positive ripple effect that will be felt in places as diverse as art supply shops, local galleries, cafés, pop-ups, and other spaces where artists and ordinary people can come together.

 

In addition to buying their original works, you can opt to purchase unique art prints from your favourite local artists. These are the artists’ original works that were replicated with their permission to allow more people to appreciate their work. Illustration art prints and contemporary art prints can serve as gifts or one-of-a-kind pieces of wall decor, allowing you to showcase your personality and taste in art in unique ways while also motivating artists to continue doing meaningful, productive work. 

 

2) It Promotes Cultural Diversity

 

 

Supporting up-and-coming grassroots artists is akin to opening a window to a world of diverse perspectives. These artists draw inspiration from their unique cultural backgrounds, infusing their work with authenticity and richness. 

 

All over England, for instance, there are an estimated 49,000 grassroots arts groups, comprising 9.4 million people participating in various art-based activities. These grassroots groups welcome amateur artists from all walks of life, regardless of their class, culture, ethnicity, and gender. In fact, these groups’ most prominent characteristic is their diversity—not just with regard to demographics of the people who participate, but also in terms of the kind of art they produce. 

 

For many communities, these activities are a tangible means to preserve their culture and heritage. Your support will allow them to keep making art of various kinds and ensure that they can pass on these cultural treasures to the next generation and whoever else wants to learn about the artists’ home country, culture, or movement. 

 

3) It Will Strengthen Artists’ and Customers Sense of Community

 

 

Contrary to popular belief, artists are not solitary figures hidden away in their studios. Grassroots artists, in particular, should be thought of as community builders who are proactive participants in your community’s development. Engaging with them and rooting for their success will help all of you share a profound sense of belonging and shared identity.

 

To see this effect for yourself, think about what would happen if you did more than simply look at a piece of art created by a local artist. You could purchase it through a legitimate online platform like DROOL, interact with the artist through social media, and share what you know about them to people in your circle. Actions like these will get people talking about the cultural sensibilities they share, common experiences that have touched their hearts, or common dreams that they have for the world—all of which can do a lot to cultivate a healthy sense of community. 

 

4) It Will Drive Artistic Innovation and Experimentation

 

 

One of the most remarkable traits seen in grassroots artists is their willingness to take artistic risks. Many will do their best to go against conventional expectations, explore uncharted territories, and experiment with novel ideas. 

 

Your support for these artists, for example by buying cool art prints from the brightest minds in your area, will be a catalyst for continuous artistic innovation. Backed by financial support as well as good word of mouth, these artists can continue to cross boundaries and revitalise their spaces with fresh, thought-provoking, and meticulously crafted art. 

 

5) It Will Allow for the Wider Democratisation of Art

 

 

Too many people still think that art is confined to the walls of exclusive galleries. But this mindset is a huge barrier to aspiring amateur artists and art enthusiasts like you, who want to be able to participate in the art sector and enjoy each other’s creativity and perspective.

 

Grassroots artists challenge the historically gatekept status quo by making art more accessible online, in their own stores, in pop-up shops, and other places where the average citizen can acquire them. In urban cities around the world, for example, murals by local artists are a great place-making strategy to bring communities together. On top of inspiring interest in the artists themselves, these artworks can attract visitors to the areas, which contributes to the local economy.

 

In the art community, local grassroots artists play a vital role in bringing art to a wider audience. There’s a lot that you can do as an art buyer, too--through your support, artists can continue to stoke their creativity and add richness to the lives of the communities they’re part of. 

 

Be sure to look up up-and-coming grassroots artists on DROOL and get the best of their work for your own home or to give as a gift!