THREE quarters of Brits are ‘more open’ to arts and culture than before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to research.
Unable to leave their homes or meet friends, and with an historic crisis to attempt to process, many have turned to the arts for the first time during the pandemic.
Photography (48 per cent), drawing (45 per cent) and painting (39 per cent) were the most common artistic pursuits to start.
And nearly two thirds (64 per cent) are hoping to keep up their new hobby once lockdown restrictions are fully lifted.
The research coincides with the launching of Art Without Walls – a project focused on repurposing space across London that would normally house adverts to instead exhibit 500 original works of art.
According to the research, more than half of the 2,000 adults polled (56 per cent) are also more likely to buy art as a result of their newfound creative interests.
Will Ramsay, founder of the Affordable Art Fair, said: “My mission has always been to democratise the art world and make it accessible to all – and the research shows there is certainly an appetite for more available arts across the UK.
“Whether you’re interested in photography, fine art, or graphic design, this gallery has something for you to enjoy, digest, and take inspiration from."
He added: “We hope that visitors will bring these sources of inspiration into their own homes – all while helping those in the industry look forward and move on from an earth-shattering year.”
The study also found nearly seven in 10 adults said diving into an artistic diversion has helped them cope during a difficult year.
One in four have watched more TV programmes about art since the pandemic began, and 16 per cent have taken time to research artists they like.
But 42 per cent were unaware of just how hard-hit the artistic community has been during the worldwide shutdown, according to the OnePoll figures.
Now, though, 41 per cent feel ‘compelled to do their bit’ to help the arts thrive following the damage of the global pandemic.
Nick Williamson, marketing director at Campari Group UK, which is running the project, said: “As a brand inherently connected to the arts industry, we wanted to use our platform to support artists and independent galleries in the UK.
“We hope that the level of exposure created by Art Without Walls will help inspire everyone who sees it, as well as create sales and provide much needed support to all these talented artists who have been impacted by the pandemic over the past year.”
All of the artwork featured is available to buy via a QR link on each piece, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the art industry.
By combining digital screens, posters and projections in high footfall locations, the gallery will generate the same amount of exposure per artwork as if it were hanging in the Tate Modern – the UK’s most popular cultural destination – for a week.
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