Incremental cost increases on artists’ raw materials are leading to new pressures throughout the sector. Image: Annie Spratt via Unsplash.
There’s no doubt the pandemic has radically influenced our purchasing decisions and the way we access goods.
For artists, embracing online sales platforms has meant they have reached new art buyers the world over, and in some cases this has led to spikes in demand from new markets for their work.
But the COVID era has also brought unprecedented cost pressures for artists and suppliers, which are now having concerning domino effects through the sector.
ArtsHub's Arts Feature Writer Jo Pickup is based in Perth. An arts writer and manager, she has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for media such as the ABC, RTRFM and The West Australian newspaper, contributing media content and commentary on art, culture and design. She has also worked for arts organisations such as Fremantle Arts Centre, STRUT dance, and the Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of WA, as well as being a sessional arts lecturer at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
