there's more to art than money

no money? credit crunch crisis?

those are no longer valid excuses for not buying art.

The Art Barter event revolves around the idea that artwork will be acquired by

individuals through alternative means to money. Artists have always been

familiar with the use of barter. From Picasso exchanging sketches for his

meals, to hotels (such as The Chelsea Hotel in NY) accepting art as payment

for rent and select YBA’s having tabs at restaurants such as The Ivy in

exchange for pieces of their work to adorn the restaurant walls. However, the

ArtBarter event is unique because it is the only exhibition to promote such a

form of exchange amongst a wide array of artists and the general public all

at once.

There is a catch at Art Barter where you will not know which artwork belongs

to which artist until after the show’s end. This will create a gamble for the

public and will make people value the art for what it really is, not for the

name or price tag that formerly was attached. As curator Lauren Jones says

“We want to make art available to a more diverse crowd, not just people

with disposable income. ArtBarter is the perfect setting to make this happen,

whilst also providing a fun way to get people involved with the arts.” So

whether you have a special talent or skill to offer or something unused that

may be desirable to others; or if you just wish to view a great exhibition and

try your luck with bartering, come down and become part of ‘Art Barter’.