Supporting emerging artists isn't just about buying expensive paintings—it's about engaging with your local creative community in meaningful ways. Whether you have $50 or $5,000 to spend, there are countless ways to discover and support the artists shaping your city's cultural landscape.
Why Support Emerging Artists?
Before we dive into the how, let's talk about the why:
- Affordability – Work by emerging artists is often priced accessibly, making original art ownership possible for everyone
- Direct impact – Your support directly reaches the artist, not institutions or estates
- Relationships – You can actually meet and build relationships with the creators
- Discovery – There's a thrill in discovering talent before they're widely recognized
- Community – You become part of a creative ecosystem, not just a consumer
Where to Find Emerging Artists
Open Studio Events
These are goldmines for discovering emerging talent. Cities worldwide host regular open studio events where artists invite the public into their workspaces:
- Bushwick Open Studios (NYC) – 500+ artists, June
- 48 Stunden Neukölln (Berlin) – Neighborhood-wide arts festival, June
- East London Open Studios – November
- SF Open Studios – October-November
Check our Event Calendar for open studios in your city.
Graduate Shows
Art school degree shows are excellent opportunities to see emerging work and meet artists at the start of their careers. Prices are often lower than gallery shows, and you might discover the next big thing.
Artist-Run Spaces
Look for non-commercial galleries run by artists for artists. These spaces often show more experimental work than commercial galleries and prices reflect the emerging status of the artists.
Local Art Fairs
Skip the VIP preview at major fairs and instead seek out:
- Emerging artist sections at major fairs
- Satellite fairs that pop up around big events
- Local art markets and independent fairs
Social Media
Instagram remains the best platform for discovering artists. Search location tags for your city + "artist" or "studio." Follow local galleries and see who they're tagging.
Ways to Support (Beyond Buying)
Not ready to buy? There are many other meaningful ways to support:
1. Show Up
Attend openings, talks, and events. Your presence matters—empty galleries are demoralizing for artists. Sign guest books so galleries can track interest.
2. Spread the Word
- Share artists' work on social media (always credit them)
- Tell friends about exhibitions you've enjoyed
- Write reviews on Google/Yelp for galleries showing emerging work
- Recommend artists for commissions or opportunities
3. Engage Directly
- Follow artists on social media and engage with their posts
- Sign up for their newsletters
- Ask thoughtful questions at openings
- Provide genuine feedback when invited
4. Commission Work
Even if you can't afford an existing piece, commissioning allows you to work within your budget. Many emerging artists welcome commissions—it's steady income and a chance to create something new.
5. Buy Affordable Works
Start small:
- Prints – Many artists sell limited edition prints for $50-200
- Zines – Artist-made publications, often under $20
- Small works – Drawings, sketches, studies
- Multiples – Editions, ceramics, small sculptures
Building Relationships with Artists
The best way to support artists long-term is to build genuine relationships:
- Be consistent – Follow their career over time, not just one-off interactions
- Be respectful – Artists aren't just there to sell to you; respect their time and boundaries
- Be genuine – Authentic interest is obvious; so is fake interest
- Be patient – Building trust takes time
Ethical Considerations
A few things to keep in mind:
- Pay fairly – Don't haggle aggressively with emerging artists; their prices are usually already low
- Credit properly – Always credit artists when sharing their work
- Don't flip – If you buy emerging work and the artist becomes famous, consider the ethics before selling for a huge profit
- Support diversity – Seek out artists from underrepresented backgrounds
Starting Your Collection
If you're ready to start collecting emerging art:
- Buy what you love – Don't buy for investment; buy what moves you
- Set a budget – Decide what you can afford before falling in love
- Ask questions – Gallerists and artists expect questions; it's not awkward
- Take your time – Never feel pressured to buy on the spot
- Get it in writing – Even informal sales should have a receipt with title, date, medium, and price
Ready to discover emerging artists? Use our Artist Discovery tool to find creators in your city.