#PAYARTiSTS CAMPAiGN

ADVOCACY FOR ARTIST COMPENSATION

branding ✦ creative direction ✦ digital marketing

a digitally designed banner that reads 'art is work. pay artists.' with a message about supporting and investing in your local arts community. this has been a message from 934 Gallery

#PayArtists is a grassroots initiative that advocates for fair and consistent artist compensation, because working for “exposure” doesn’t pay the bills. Our creative strategy included messaging, social media content, and campaign branding that made the mission crystal clear: art IS work, pay artists.

The campaign launched with a public pledge and call-to-action that encouraged community members, local arts organizations, and creative employers to commit to compensating artists for their time and talent.

a digital billboard kiosk on a busy city street that has been designed to that read 'art is work. pay artists.'

Art is work.

Art is valuable. Art is essential.

We designed shareable graphics and a benefit t-shirt, with 100% of proceeds going to a newly established artist compensation fund. From Instagram posts to digital ads on IKE Smart City kiosks across Columbus, we brought the message citywide. The campaign generated over 10K+ social impressions in its first phase and sold out of t-shirts within the week of launch.

This campaign makes 934 the only gallery in Columbus to pay artists regardless of sales.

an image of a black tshirt with white text design that that reads 'art is work. pay artists.'
a Pay Artist campaign message that explains the campaign was awarded $20,000 by the Greater Columbus Arts Council
a Pay Artist campaign message that explains the campaign was awarded $20,000 by the Greater Columbus Arts Council

🏆 ‘Columbus Makes Art Excellence’ Award Winner
2024

a photograph of the 934 Gallery marketing team responsible for the Pay Artists campaign posing after winning the 'Columbus Makes Art Excellence' award

The #PayArtists campaign was honored by the Greater Columbus Arts Council with the ‘Columbus Makes Art Excellence’ award recognizing outstanding achievements in innovation, risk and artistic excellence in a performance, exhibition, program, or project. This award granted the non-profit gallery $20,000 which went directly into the artist compensation fund.

ABOUT 934 GALLERY

934 Gallery is a non-profit, contemporary art gallery in Columbus, Ohio, showcasing local, national, and international artists. 934 Gallery focuses on bringing a fresh perspective to contemporary art through trailblazing exhibitions, installations, performances, and public art projects.

Since 2021, we have offered our services pro bono to the 100% volunteer-run gallery, currently serving as Marketing Committee Chair (Madison) and Creative Director (Ryan).