Quite often through history, art in all its various forms has been taken for granted. Art has played a pivotal role in the history of mankind and has evolved just as we have over time. It’s also a form of communication, a way to impart the workings of one’s imagination upon others as well as a way to send important messages about culture and society. Art does not exist in a vacuum, and that’s why it’s so important to support both local artists and local art galleries. Art needs viewers as much as some viewers need art, and an appreciation of local art can lead to a bevy of positive consequences in the community. 

Supporting Local Artists Benefits the Economy

The economic impact of arts and culture ranges far and wide. Both local and nonlocal visitors are willing to spend money on public arts programs, festivals, visual art events, and museums and art centers. These economic boosts are a main reason why many community oriented art programs and organizations will work hard to advocate and advertise for local artists. A flourishing local arts community will benefit not just the artists, but the community itself in the form of increased visitation, business, and reputation. 

Acrylic abstract floral piece “Flourish” by award winning Australian artist Sandra Michele Knight.

Supporting Local Artists Encourages Community

A great many historically relevant pieces of art have focused on the concept of cultural understanding, acceptance, and exchange, and all three of these are crucial in the development of cohesive, stable communities where diversity is present. Art created by local artists can be key in helping people to not only understand each other, but empathize with each other as well. 

Local art can also help to create cultural identity, as community members can see themselves depicted or reflected in local art, which in turn leads them to feeling accepted into the fold. Being made to feel as though you belong is a powerful thing and can engender strong feelings of respect for a location and its residents. 

Daisy Flower Person handcrafted on the Sunshine Coast by Queensland artist Sisters Not Twins. 

Supporting Local Artists Helps People

Whenever you purchase a piece of art created by a local artist, you are doing your part to support the artist in a way that is both significant and direct. There are other ways to support artists that are not quite as obvious, but they can be just as important. Other than purchasing art, you can spread word of the artist on different social media platforms and attend any classes they are teaching or galleries they are featured in. 

You can also encourage younger generations to become interested in local art, as studies have found that when youth engage with local art it can improve their chances of voting and their cognitive abilities, as well as increase their chances of volunteering. Likewise, getting seniors to engage with local art has benefits as well, such as positive effects on those who suffer from dementia, depression, and disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease.

  “Electric Sunset”, a mixed media piece created by Melbourne-based artist Lani Buckland Art.

Supporting Local Artists Can Also Benefit You

The importance of supporting local artists in order to boost the economy and improve community growth can’t be understated, but supporting local artists can also be fulfilling in a far more personal way. To many people, viewing and owning art is therapeutic and can go a long way toward reducing stress levels, soothing anxiety, stimulating the brain, and providing an infusion of dopamine on a regular basis. Buying local art rather than purchasing mass-produced art also means you will be owning something that is entirely unique and created right here in Australia. 

 “Fabulous Feathers”, a gorgeous watercolour piece from Queensland artist Lucinda Leveille Art. 

Discovering and Supporting Local Artists

Australia has so many incredible artists, and many of them have work available right here on ACA. The many different colours, mediums, styles, and depictions are a reminder of just how diverse and special the Australian artist community is, and proof that local artists will always need our support in order to benefit the economy, community, and ourselves.