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Why UK Artists Are Struggling - And How LettsArt Helps Them Take Back Control

A new UK art-sector report highlights falling earnings, unstable careers, and limited access to opportunities - especially for emerging and under-represented artists. This article breaks down what’s happening, why it matters and how LettsArt’s no-code Art Intelligence software helps artists and gallerists build sustainable, independent careers online.

What’s Happening in the UK Art Industry Right Now?

New research from Artquest’s Who Gets to Be an Artist? study reveals deep challenges across the UK arts ecosystem, including:

  • Only 41% of artists regularly earn money from their creative practice.
  • 69% say lack of income is a major barrier to continuing their career.
  • Nearly one-third have less than one month of savings.
  • Artists from lower-income or minority backgrounds face significantly higher barriers to access and visibility .
  • Geography matters: opportunities are concentrated in London and the South East.

This is more than a talent problem. It’s a structural one.

Key Challenges Identified by the Report

A. Financial Insecurity

Most artists rely on fragmented income sources, irregular payments and unpredictable demand.
Impact: It becomes nearly impossible to plan a sustainable career or invest in your practice.

B. Limited Visibility & Representation

Gatekeeping, proximity to major cities and lack of networks continue to shape who gets seen.
Impact: Many talented artists never reach collectors who would value their work.

C. Missing Business Skills

Artists know how to create, but often lack the business, marketing and technology support needed to grow.
Impact: Your art may be strong, but your distribution isn’t - with real financial consequences.

D. Tools That Aren’t Built for Artists

Generic website builders, marketplaces with fees and social-media algorithms aren’t designed to support professional creatives.
Impact: Artists spend time hacking tools instead of building careers.

Hauser & Wirth’s UK profits slide 90% as art market struggles
Even Hauser & Wirth’s UK profits slide 90% as the art market struggles

How LettsArt Directly Solves These Issues

LettsArt was built by artists, for artists - grounded in the realities highlighted in this report.

A. Build a Professional Online Gallery in Minutes

Create a branded gallery website with no coding or design skills.

  • AI-generated hero image
  • AI-generated About page
  • AI artwork descriptions & tags
  • Multi-image carousels & multi-art sales

Why it matters: A professional presence increases trust, visibility and sales, without relying on gatekeepers.

B. Sell Directly to Collectors

LettsArt gives you the tools to:

  • showcase your work
  • manage your collectors
  • unlock returning buyers
  • reduce or eliminate middlemen
  • keep more of what you earn

Why it matters: Artists retain more income and build long-term relationships with followers - crucial in an unpredictable market.

C. Tools That Make Art Business Easier

LettsArt includes powerful Art Intelligence tools:

  • automatic tagging and descriptions
  • simple pricing workflows
  • insights into what collectors engage with
  • multi-user features for studios and collectives

Why it matters: You don’t need to be a marketer, technologist or copywriter. LettsArt handles the complexity.

D. Level the Playing Field for All Artists

Whether you live in Glasgow, Cardiff, Leeds or a rural village, LettsArt gives every artist an equal digital stage.

Why it matters: Visibility should come from talent, not postcode.

What This Means for Artists in 2025 and Beyond

The UK art sector is changing fast. Earnings are under pressure. Gatekeepers are shifting. Digital distribution is now essential.

Artists who embrace modern tools, especially those designed specifically for creative careers, will have more control, more resilience, and more opportunities.

LettsArt exists to make that path simple.

Final Word: The Art World Is Changing. Take the Future Into Your Own Hands.

If you want to:
✔ build a professional gallery
✔ grow a loyal following
✔ sell directly to collectors
✔ use Art Intelligence to simplify the admin
✔ take control of your art career

LettsArt is designed for you.

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Not using LettsArt? Why not sign up today? It’s powerful software for artists to show, manage and distribute their art online. Perfect for artists with zero tech skills, our no-code, AI software lets you take control of your online presence and build sustainable success through direct sales.

T o sign up to LettsArt (it’s FREE!) go to www.LettsArt.com .

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Frequently Asked Questions You May Have

Q1: How can artists increase income in a tough UK market?

By selling directly to collectors, reducing commission fees and building recurring engagement. LettsArt provides the gallery tools that enable this.

Q2: How do I get professional visibility without a physical gallery?

LettsArt lets you create a beautifully designed online gallery and grow followers, giving you year-round visibility anywhere in the world.

Q3: How can technology help an artist’s career?

Art Intelligence (AI built for art) helps with writing descriptions, tagging, branding and improving visibility - saving time on admin so you can focus on creating.

Software for great artists and gallerists
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