Tips for sustainable arts practice in 2026
ArtsHub offers advice on building a sustainable arts practice in 2026, emphasizing financial viability, multiple income streams, and business management. Key tips include not underpricing work, using print-on-demand services, licensing art, and selling skills via consultancy or content creation. The article stresses the importance of administration, contracts, marketing, and having a financial buffer. It advises against working for exposure and recommends tracking income/expenses with accounting apps. The piece is authored by Nanci Nott and includes links to related articles on women in the arts and London art guides.
Key facts
- Financial viability protects time for craft, but income spikes and quiet stretches are normal.
- Artists should consider time, overheads, materials, and profit margin when pricing.
- NAVA provides advice on artwork pricing; ASA guides publishing rates.
- Common income sources: royalties, festivals, commissions, workshops, grants.
- Working for exposure is not sustainable; protect time and energy.
- Digital connectivity reduces gatekeeping; options include online sales, print-on-demand, licensing.
- Freelance work offers flexibility but irregular income.
- Business aspects: administration, contracts, marketing, sales, industry outreach.
Entities
Artists
- Nanci Nott
- Megan Dalla-Camina
- Dr Diana Carroll
Institutions
- ArtsHub
- National Association for the Visual Arts
- Australian Society of Authors
- ScreenHub
- Defy Reality Entertainment
Locations
- United Kingdom
- London