Art is everywhere, but artists tend to congregate in cities where their art is likely to be appreciated. Well established artists can go just about anywhere and develop a following; New York City used to be the top city for budding artists, but now it seems that only artists who are already well known can survive there. The same goes for Los Angeles - in both cities galleries and art events abound, but getting noticed in the crowd can be difficult and costly. Recently, young and budding artists have been traveling to other cities for exposure, practice and the freedom to live the artists lifestyle among others. This is great for everyone because this sort of mass movement tends to bring more art to more people. The following list is 5 cities that are located in the eastern half of the United States and are the ideal location for new artists.
Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY: New York City might have once been the #1 spot, but with the cost of living as high as it is and the severe lack of space for a studio or other place to create art, artists have started flocking to Buffalo. The Buffalo-Niagara Falls New York region has everything from large museums and galleries to artist-run showrooms and creative spaces. A new artist wanting to make it in New York would do well to start in Buffalo, where artist societies and organizations abound for inspiration and support. Plus, the Big Apple is not far away for local events featuring new artists. Local artists are celebrated in a unique way in Buffalo and artists can make a living selling their work.
Memphis, TN: Memphis has a history of birthing new art in the form of music genres, which has undoubtedly set the stage for other art forms to take root. In addition to major art galleries and museums, Memphis has art neighborhoods that celebrate visual arts, art education, festivals for local artists, and street art commissioned by the city. Because artists have been flocking to Memphis to start their careers and lives, the city has responded with welcoming, open arms: culture is important to Memphis and residents celebrate all year round. Plus, Memphis is a very culturally diverse city, so many different art styles are represented.
Philadelphia, PA: Arguably the next New York City, at least when it comes to art and artists, the City of Brotherly Love is getting a dose of artists in a big way. Second only to New York City in size (at least on the East Coast), Philadelphia has historically been a city of change. Philosophy, politics, architectural renovations, and now a great art movement have all taken part in shaping the city it is today. Now, a colorful nightlife, a number of theatres and other performing arts venues, and more public art than any other city in America makes Philadelphia a true artists city, where the young and old, novice and experienced can thrive. The greatest part about being an artist in Philly? Navis Pack & Ship Philadelphia is there to help you get your art anywhere it needs to be with custom crating and expert packing and shipping services that give your works the unique care it deserves.
Providence, RI: Providence is an artists paradise. The city is full of the standard galleries and a range of performing arts venues, but also has plenty of artist-run art sales, smaller art boutiques, artist studios, free public art events, and even an art gallery in City Hall and public art works commissioned by the mayor. There are also art clubs, a monthly gallery night, and art education centers throughout the city for the public and artists alike to enjoy. A budding artist in Providence will find a unique and welcoming atmosphere with creative job boards and city-wide artist promotional events designed to encourage the public to buy local art. Few other cities are as dedicated to helping new artists succeed as Providence.
Detroit, MI: With the near collapse of the auto industry, Detroit opened itself up to the artists, and they came in droves. Suddenly affordable and available, Detroit attracted young people of all professions, backgrounds and interests - especially artists. The city is so full of art, in fact, that recent rumors that Detroit is planning to sell some of it's prestigious art collection to help pay off its debts has plunked the city in controversy. Artists and art lovers do not want to see Detroit lose its personality or culture, as it holds one of the most famous collections in the country. However, budding artists making their living selling art are in luck: Navis Pack & Ship Detroit understands the real and sentimental value art holds and specializes in packing and shipping art.
Minneapolis-St.Paul, MN: The Twin Cities are special for artists in that they really do not specialize in any one form of art - performing arts, visual arts, films, comedy, and music all seem to take center stage in various places around the cities. The Minneapolis-St.Paul region is also perfect for new artists looking to get their names out there: a number of revivals have made shows and bands popular throughout the country after getting their (second) start in the Twin Cities, and more residents attend art events, festivals, shows and theatres than most other regions. The team at Navis Pack & Ship Minneapolis & St. Paul are available to carefully and expertly pack and ship art by artists of all levels and mediums, which means your audience isn't limited to Minneapolis.
Photo by Urban Art Commission in Memphis
