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Economic Development

The Economic Impact of Montana Artists

Table of Contents

Distribution

Artists have the ability to distribute their art through a variety of methods. Survey participants were asked to provide numeric information on the most-used distribution methods. The two primary ways that artists distribute their art is through direct sales and retailers. Trade shows and internet sales came in third and fourth respectively. Charts 12a through 12c show the primary distribution methods by discipline.

Chart 12a

Visual artists overwhelmingly stated that they utilized direct sales and retailers to distribute their art.

Chart 12b

Performing artists mostly use performing arts venues to distribute their art. However, they also seem to utilize direct sales and internet sales a great deal. Performing arts venues are used as methods of getting their work into the sales arena.

Chart 12c

Writers seem to be more broadly split across the use of an agent, direct sales, other methods, retailers and wholesale distributors. Interestingly, quite a few writers said they utilized internet sales to distribute their writing. Most of the comments in the other category indicated the use of a publisher.

Many artists indicated they could use some assistance in marketing their art. In fact, the top response to the question regarding what help artists could use was in the area of marketing. Obviously this is an area of great concern to artists. Support to help artists in marketing and sales of their paintings, sculptures, books, performances, etc. would greatly improve their contribution to the state's economy. The second area in which the responding artists mentioned a need for help was a state artist resource website. Some also showed an interest in more educational training and a state or regional craft show. There were a few comments in the other category where artists mentioned some help in grant writing or tax breaks for artists would be helpful. It should be noted that artists were allowed to choose more than one response, therefore the categories will not sum to 100%. Charts 13a through 13c summarize the responses by discipline.