The Artist’s Guide to Getting Noticed: Promotional Opportunities for Artists
Reach Bigger Audiences with Less Work
I'm going to say the thing that we are all thinking: being an independent professional means wearing a lot of hats.
You’re not just creating—you’re also your own marketer, event planner, social media manager, and sometimes even your own PR team. It’s a lot.
But here’s the good news: you don’t always have to go it alone.
There are ways to get your work in front of new audiences without burning yourself out. Sometimes, the best move is to let someone else do the promoting for you—whether that’s a publication, a platform, or a local arts group.
The Good News
The worst part is seeking out where to go. Luckily for you, art|Works Initiative has done the work so you don't have to [ that is kind of our thing ;) ].
📰 Publications That Love Featuring Artists
Pitching your work to blogs or magazines might sound intimidating, but trust me—it’s worth it. These platforms are actively looking for fresh, exciting artists to feature. And their audiences? Already primed to love what you do.
If the idea of researching who to pitch makes your eyes glaze over, don’t worry—we’ve got you. Here are some highlights of publications that regularly feature artists:
+ Contemporary Art Daily
Contemporary Art Daily is a platform that documents contemporary art exhibitions worldwide, publishing daily since 2008. It launched the Contemporary Art Library in 2020 to expand its archive and support research and education in the arts.
+ InkyGoodness
Inkygoodness is a global creative community founded in 2010 to support and connect emerging artists, illustrators, and creative businesses. Through exhibitions, workshops, coaching, and its membership platform, Inkygoodness Collective, it offers resources and networking opportunities to help creatives grow their careers.
+ Creative Debuts
Creative Debuts is a London-based art platform founded in 2013 by Calum Hall, dedicated to supporting emerging and underrepresented artists. They collaborate with brands like adidas and Disney to transform spaces through curated art, emphasizing fair pay, diversity, and social impact. Their initiatives include the Black Artists Grant, offering no-strings-attached financial support to Black artists in the UK. Creative Debuts provides services such as art rentals, commissions, and consultancy, aiming to make contemporary art accessible and meaningful in various spaces.
🌍 Platforms & Open Calls
New opportunities pop up all the time—exhibitions, grants, residencies, you name it. If you want to stay in the loop without constantly scouring the internet, these platforms are your new best friends:
Application Platforms
ZAPPlication – Great for art fairs and festivals
Entry Thingy – A quirky name, but a solid resource
Open Call Lists
Search for Opportunitys & Resources
Art Call – Updated regularly with calls for submissions
Bookmark these and check in once a week—you never know what might pop up.
But - This is Just The Beginning
These are just a few examples— you can find countless opportunities on art|Hub, your one stop shop for artist and small business information.
🏡 Don’t Sleep on Local Opportunities
Your local arts community can be a goldmine. Many arts organizations spotlight their members on their websites or social media, and some even include them in exhibitions, galleries, or shops.
If you’re not already connected with local arts hosts, now’s the time. Check out this list to find groups near you that support and promote artists just like you.
Bottom line? You don’t have to do it all yourself. Let us, and others, help you shine—your art deserves to be seen.
Need Help Getting Started?
If you're unsure how to approach a shop owner, negotiate a fair rate, or navigate the paperwork, art|Works is here to help - Infact, that is exactly what we can do for our members. If you are looking for personalized guidance to make the retail process smooth and successful, fill out a member application survey here.
Explore More Opportunities
This post is just the beginning. We have a comprehensive list of shops, markets, and galleries across the tri-state area that are open to working with artists like you.
Visit the art|Hub to explore more venues, tips on print-on-demand for fine art, scaling your business, and so much more.