How to Support Local Arts, Culture & Heritage This Holiday Season

With the holidays fast approaching, you may be thinking about finding unique gifts for your loved ones or discovering local places to go for a memorable experience with your family and friends. To convince you, the Conseil des arts Prescott Russell Arts Council has compiled a list of 4 reasons to support local this Holiday season!

You are helping the local economy: Buying locally not only directly affects the person you are buying from, but also the community around them. Shopping local art and handmade goods support the economic base of the arts and culture community, since many artists and makers purchase from local businesses, and may be members of local societies, centres and galleries. By purchasing local art, you will be taking steps to support your local economy. Lets not forget that local businesses also offer new jobs in your community!

Your community is enriched: Entrepreneurs, business owners, artists and creators are usually very creative and innovative people. With support from the community, they have the potential to shape a unique local landscape that reflects its values and needs. Additionally, these businesses are more likely to invest back into their communities by donating to causes or by creating cultural and social events and opportunities. Time spent discovering and meeting these creative people in your community is, in our opinion, never wasted time. Doesn’t that sound like a fun experience, to be part of something unique and thriving?

Have a better customer service experience: Buying from your local Gallery or from a local artist directly will give you an opportunity to connect – meeting the artist and knowing that you are an integral part of investing in that person or local business. Art is a labor of love. When you buy direct from a local artist, they will take the time to get to know you and what your needs are.

Find some unique and meaningful gifts: Artworks produced by local artists often will have a deeper significance and meaning to residents. Artists are often influenced by the local culture and colours of their region’s landscape. In turn, the culture of a region and of the people who live there, is reflected in its art. The art you purchase from them will often have a deeper significance and meaning, as a commentary and reflection of the region in which you live. Purchasing locally is a great way to pick up a unique find: handmade, local artwork is original and culturally significant, and other pieces like it will not be widespread through the market. From gift cards or artwork, crafts or classes, you’ll find something for everyone on your list!

Now that we've convinced you, we hope you take the time this December to check out the markets and offers available in Prescott and Russell, including our virtual CAPRAC Gallery!