Should I pursue partnerships with local businesses during an economic downturn?

Absolutely - team up with local cafes, boutiques, restaurants, interior designers, and real estate stagers. Explore corporate gifting bundles, client appreciation items, and charitable tie-ins. Everyone is hurting economically right now, which means they’re all listening to similar advice about doing more during tough times. This makes them much more open and receptive to partnership proposals. Restaurants, doctor’s offices, small businesses, corporations, and charities all need fresh approaches. If your inventory isn’t moving, get it in front of eyeballs through these partnerships. Take every Monday to search for every restaurant within 50 miles and DM them about fresh art for their decor. Going outside the art bubble to find partners is a concrete action you can take now.

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Asked by artists seeking exhibition opportunities · Answered by Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2025-04-24