10 Ways You Can Support the Arts Community

For almost 30 years, the Kingsway-Lambton Charity Art Show & Sale has been raising funds for local charities, all the while supporting the arts community and the cultural fabric of our city. Beyond coming to our annual art show and sale event, here are some thoughts and meaningful ways to support the arts, no matter your budget, time, or expertise.

1.    Buy Art—Especially from Living Artists

What are your options?

• Purchase from local galleries, art fairs, or directly from artists through their platforms like Instagram or by studio visits.

• Support emerging and under-represented voices.

• Don’t underestimate the impact of buying small works or prints—every sale matters to an artist!

2.    Attend Exhibitions, Shows, and Festivals

In addition to coming to the Kingsway-Lambton Charity Art Show & Sale each spring,

• ·       Go to:

o   Gallery openings and museum exhibits

o   Artist talks and panel discussions

o   Public art installations and street art tours

• ·       Show up, ask questions, and share your experiences online to help spread the word.

3.    Donate to Arts Organizations

Support non-profits that fund artists or maintain arts education. Check out local arts councils or community arts programs. Making even small recurring donations help create stability for an arts organization.

4.    Promote Artists on Social Media

Social media is here to stay and you can make a big difference in supporting the arts community by sharing artists’ work online (with credit to the artist and with their permission.)

Leaving comments, reviews, or testimonials also helps promote an artist and their work. By using your platform, you can amplify all artists at every stage of their career.

5.    Volunteer Your Skills and Time

The Kingsway-Lambton Charity Art Show & Sale needs volunteers each year not only on the day of our event, but actually throughout the year in many capacities. Get in touch with us via Info@KingswayLambtonArtShow.ca if you are interested. It’s great to meet like minded people and have fun.

6.    Support Arts Education

You may wish to consider supporting arts education at all levels. You can donate supplies or funds to school art programs. If you are an artist, mentor young creatives or speak at career days. Importantly, advocate for arts curriculum in public education and attend school art exhibitions.

7.    Create Space

Here are some thoughts to consider:

• ·       Host art events, pop-ups, or salons in your home or business.

• ·       Offer wall space in your office or cafe for rotating artist exhibitions.

• ·       Support co-ops and make spaces with donations or memberships.

8.    Commission Custom Work

If you have a favourite artist, commission an art piece for yourself or as a gift. Maybe you have always wanted a family portrait, for example. Commissions often sustain artists between gallery shows or sales.

9.    Advocate for Arts Policy

Use your voice and contacts where they can make a difference to the arts. Support public funding for the arts on a local and national level. Or contact representatives to encourage support for:

• ·       Grant programs

• ·       Affordable studio spaces

• ·       Cultural infrastructure

This is especially effective if you are part of an active group. Many voices have impact.

10. Be a Cultural Connector

Are you a networker or influencer? Talk up the arts with your friends and associates. Share your passion for art. Invite friends to events or share artist newsletters. Help artists build networks—this is often more valuable than money.

The arts community is sometimes the easiest thing to be cut when funding is tight. Yet, art sustains our community and nourishes our sole. Art evolves and changes with the times. And - it changes us.

Do your part to keep the arts alive in your local community. In the case of the Kingsway-Lambton Charity Art Show & Sale, we firmly believe in our tag line: “Art for Goodness’ Sake”.

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