Perfecting the art of saving through saving the arts

In today’s economic climate artists are no doubt worrying more than ever about how to support themselves while remaining true to their artistic visions. With consumers cutting back on purchases, especially so-called luxury items, art might not make it into a cautious buyer’s newly trimmed budget. In such an atmosphere of financial caution, the function of non-profits such as Art in General that seek to advance the arts for public benefit becomes that much more valuable.

Unlike private art galleries, Art in General (through its New Commissions Program) commissions projects from several artists every year and maintains ongoing, intimate relationships with each of them.  Art in General’s stated mission is to “assist artists with the production and presentation of new work. It changes in response to the needs of artists and informs and engages the public about their work.”  Art in General offers the artists both space and a budget for developing their projects, as well as an honorarium, allowing the artist physical and creative room to complete their work.  Meanwhile, the public is invited to become engaged in the process.  In other words, rather than simply facilitating a transaction between an artist and a buyer that might limit the understanding between the two, Art in General collaborates with its chosen artists, and then encourages and nurtures a rapport between artists and their communities.

The community focus that motivates and characterizes such a non-profit program gains particular significance during this economically stressful time.  On the one hand, people are more wary today of excess spending, yet at the same time, they are still looking to find beauty and connection in their lives.  We may no longer be buying disposable items, but when we do spend, we want our purchases to give us sustenance.  So, during times when many art lovers may be deterred from the private art market, non-profits can play a role in encouraging an interest in art, first as an activity – watching an artist in progress or attending an artist talk is a  stimulating way to spend an afternoon.  And, eventually, a visitor who gains a connection to and an understanding of an artist’s work may well end up wanting to support a particular artist or community arts in general.

Obviously, from the artist’s perspective, nonprofits like Art in General can provide tremendous support when the art market may look especially dismal.  We are all familiar with the reality that oftentimes new art is not immediately accepted; it’s not unusual for an artist’s or musician’s talent to be most appreciated years after it is introduced.  So, people who need to support themselves by selling a product in a commercial market may not be free to do their best work.  A non-profit can protect artists, saving them from the pressure of having to worry about commercial viability or art for a particular market.  In turn, the artist has the liberty to remain true to his or her vision, and can then create more genuine and satisfying work – so when the public is hungry for more inspiration and meaning in their lives, non-profits function as mutually beneficial projects.  With the presence of such organizations, the community, the artist and the art are all better off.

by Samantha Samel, summer 2009 communications intern