Baltimore Arts Preservation Society LLC
Community Needs
Artistic excellence has always thrived with the vital support of patrons, art enthusiasts, and conservation efforts. From the Medici's patronage in Renaissance Italy to modern-day art patrons, history shows that great art flourishes in environments where creativity is nurtured and valued. Baltimore’s vibrant artistic community is no exception; it too requires robust support systems to sustain its creative endeavors and impact.
Currently, the average salary for a commercial artist in Baltimore is approximately $50,000 annually. However, this figure is under threat from artificial intelligence (AI) advancements, which may lead to a reduction in available art-related jobs. Artists who must juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet often struggle to hone their skills to the same degree as those who can focus solely on their craft. This financial strain hampers their creative development and long-term career prospects.
Becoming a full-time artist is particularly challenging due to insufficient funding and inadequate support mechanisms. The high costs of art production, studio space, and promotion create significant barriers. Aspiring artists often lack access to grants, mentorship, and professional development resources necessary for a successful transition from part-time to full-time artistry. Addressing these financial and structural hurdles is crucial for nurturing and retaining talent in Baltimore.
The challenges highlighted above underscore the necessity of establishing the Baltimore Arts Preservation Society LLC. Our mission is to support regional art by facilitating connections between artists, patrons, art enthusiasts, and buyers. As AI and technology increasingly influence various disciplines, including art, it is essential to preserve and promote human-made art. The Baltimore Arts Preservation Society aims to safeguard and enhance Baltimore’s artistic heritage amidst these technological shifts.
The Market
The need for funding in the arts is universally recognized, transcending the need for charts and graphs to illustrate it. The art buying market is dynamic, influenced by economic pressures and evolving cultural preferences. In the U.S., art expenditures were approximately $56 billion in 2017, $70 billion in 2020, and $80 billion in 2023, reflecting the sector's fluctuating yet significant economic impact.
In the commercial sector, major art consumers include businesses and corporations that utilize art to enhance their environments. Art is a staple in business spaces, and companies can be substantial patrons of the arts. In the private sector, art buyers such as collectors and enthusiasts are prominent. However, many collectors face limitations in purchasing additional art due to space constraints, as their homes may already be filled with artwork. Additionally, buying fine art often remains out of reach for many Americans due to financial limitations, time constraints, or insufficient appreciation.
Baltimore is investing millions in renovating its historic art district and Station North, near the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). This revitalization is expected to expand the art market in Baltimore by attracting art-buying tourists and enhancing the city’s cultural appeal. The increased market size presents a significant opportunity for promoting and selling Baltimore’s art on a broader scale.
In summary, the evolving art market and Baltimore’s investment in arts infrastructure highlight the timely need for the Baltimore Arts Preservation Society. By addressing these market conditions and opportunities, we aim to foster and elevate Baltimore’s artistic community.
Mission Statement
The Baltimore Arts Preservation Society LLC is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and sustainable art community in Baltimore. Our mission includes the following goals:
1. **To Conserve and Preserve Baltimore Art:** We will acquire and display works by both new and established Baltimore artists. Partnering with The Chameleon Gallery, a key supporter of visionary local artists, we will establish a gallery showcasing these artworks. The gallery will be strategically located in a high-traffic area of Baltimore to elevate the global profile of Baltimore art and enhance the recognition of our artists. The gallery will also accept Bitcoin as a payment method to attract the crypto art community.
2. **To Increase Artist Income Through Art Sales:** We will explore various mechanisms to boost artist income, including direct sales through our gallery, commercial contracts, fundraisers, and patron commissions. Our innovative patron program will provide access to an art library created by the non-profit. This program offers flexible donation tiers, with access to the art library for three months, six months, or a full year, based on donation amounts. Patrons can enjoy and display these works in their homes or businesses, with the art also being showcased at our gallery.
3. **To Create Direct Lines of Communication and Community:** We will build connections between artists, art buyers, enthusiasts, and patrons through social media, organized events, and social clubs. By facilitating face-to-face interactions, we aim to revive a sense of community that has been diminished in the digital age.
4. **To Create a Gallery of Baltimore Area Artists:** We are actively seeking a patron to donate gallery space or lease gallery space in prominent Baltimore areas such as Camden, Hampden, Fells Point, the Inner Harbor, Butcher Hill, and Federal Hill. The gallery will generate revenue through art sales, donations, fundraising events, and educational programs. Surplus funds will be reinvested to acquire more local art.
5. **To Create a Network of Businesses That Display and Support Baltimore Area Artists:** We will develop a network of participating businesses that display and support local artists. This network will facilitate interactions between businesses, artists, and patrons, fostering mutually beneficial relationships.
6. **To Create a Toolkit of Social Media and Other Media Devices for Supporting Baltimore Area Artists:** We will develop a comprehensive social media toolkit to enable effective online promotion for local artists, even those with limited social media skills. This resource will enhance artists' visibility and engagement with their audiences.
7. **To Perform Online and Community Fundraisers:** We will organize a variety of fundraising events, including wood-fired pizza events, pop-up art galleries, concerts, classes, contests, and community beautification projects. Additional fundraising methods will include commercial donation campaigns, GoFundMe initiatives, and volunteer recruitment. Our goal is to maximize our fundraising potential and expand our market share through innovative and traditional methods.
Feedback
We welcome feedback to refine and enhance our vision and goals. Please send your thoughts or suggestions to baltimoreartssociety@gmail.com with "Feedback to White Paper" in the subject line. Your input is invaluable as we work to build a vibrant and supportive art community in Baltimore.