How Can You Earn a Living Through Art?

At first, this question may seem absurd. “You make art, and if it catches on, you earn money,” you might think. We deliberately say “if it catches on”: in a world where accomplished works go unrecognized while absurd, installation-like contraptions are celebrated, we could not find a better phrase. But that is a provocation for another article… Our work goes beyond making artists visible and creating places where they can share or sell their work. We also create opportunities for people who want to stay close to art, but need a job to support themselves, to work in a field they love without leaving art behind. How do we do that?

First, we should make clear that we do not like applying words such as “market” or “industry” to art. Bringing money-centered language into an activity led by feeling makes us uncomfortable. It feels like returning to ancient Greece, to the days when art was called technē and sculpture was treated as a craft on a par with masonry. We are not keen on the phrase “art establishment,” either: the increasingly compromised nonsense associated with that establishment is not a world we want to join. So let us say “the art world,” and take it to mean art together with the full range of opportunities that can help you earn an income from it.

The art world is not made up only of artists and artworks. It is an extensive network involving materials, sales, marketing, classes, tours, talks, and much more. Yes, it is that “industry” we have just said we dislike calling it. As artists, we therefore need people with all kinds of talents and skills.

What can you do?

Let us divide the subject into two main areas: what you can do as an artist, and what you can do as an arts worker.

a) What Can You Do as an Artist?

First of all, of course, you can earn money by selling your work or presenting your art. We do more than help you as much as we can: through the artist communities we build, we also help artists support one another.

You can showcase physical works such as paintings, sculptures, and textiles on our pages and introduce them to an audience by uploading them to our website. We have also begun building a gallery network. Through it, you can place your work in a gallery near you, where it can be kept safely and seen in person. Do you know the best part? We value artists of every age and level of experience. Artists who are not yet ready may need some time to develop, and we support them along the way. But your level of experience does not determine whether you can join us.

There is more to it than physical artworks. Through Aktif Sanat, our artists can lead in-person workshops and classes, arrange tours, and organize talks. We stand alongside them in all of these activities. Of course, remember that mutual trust matters too.

b) What Can You Do as an Arts Worker?

This is particularly important. You can earn an income not only by showing or selling your own talents, but also by providing the support our artists and our team need. Sales and marketing are clear examples: we need substantial help in these areas. Aktif Sanat and Uzakİşler have already signed a cooperation agreement, making us their partner in the arts. We are sure you will soon be hearing that name much more often: Uzakİşler.

Alongside sales and marketing, there is work for social media specialists, international trade representatives, administrators, extras, communications specialists, assistants… There is so much to do. Simply get in touch to discuss these opportunities in more detail. You can reach us through Instagram direct messages, our online form, or our email addresses.

We will continue this discussion regularly at our meetings. To take part, share your contact details with us—they will be protected under Türkiye’s Personal Data Protection Law, KVKK—or join our communities; see our Instagram Highlights.

Stay with us for much more…

Aktif Sanat.