Fine art—at times it seems like that world and the real world don’t overlap. From the outside, fine arts communities can appear insular, maybe even uninviting. Probably this is because for too long fine art appreciation was a privilege granted only to a select few.
These days, that trend is breaking, and as more and more people have access to the fine arts, it’s becoming ever more clear how fundamental they truly are. Music, painting, theater, dance, poetry—these are the kinds of pursuits that encourage the too-often-neglected virtues of imagination, expression, creativity, aesthetics, and intellect.
But sparking an interest for the fine arts is only half of the equation. Many people enjoy the arts on paper, but find it difficult to work art appreciation into their lives. Researching local exhibitions, plays, readings, and musical performances takes effort. Actually making it to an event requires commitment and planning.
Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to make your interest in art feel less like a part-time job. Plus, there are all kinds of Meetup groups that can help inspire you to keep connected with budding passions.
Keep yourself in-the-know
If you’re a newspaper reader (whether print or digital), a great way to get started is by staying up to date with arts coverage, reviews from critics, and a list of local goings-on in the scene.
To get information directly from the source, try following some of your favorite art institutions on social media. For example, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is a frequent Instagram poster. They’ve got everything from exhibition details to trivia, content just for teens, and even high-def pics of paintings in their collection for you to use as your phone background!
But museums aren’t the only social spaces that keep the fine arts thriving. Beloved neighborhood shops like Powell’s Books in Portland are a must-follow for literature lovers who want to see what’s hitting the shelves soon, get recommendations from knowledgeable staff members, and follow the calendar of author talks.
Other amazing resources for consistent art exposure include:
- Coffee shops, restaurants, and bars that regularly have live music
- Local college and university art departments that often host performances
Step aboard the art vlogging hype train
For all of its faults, online is a great place to be when you want to learn something new. Once again, the internet provides us with opportunities for connection and education that were inconceivable just a few decades ago. Now you can get a PhD’s worth of art history knowledge just by sitting on your couch and watching some sick vids.
If you want to keep your art appreciation more casual, there are plenty of vloggers who present both classical and contemporary art in an approachable way. Here are just a handful of vloggers who can help you brush up on facts and figures, expose you to old ideas using fresh analysis, or sharpen your art-loving lens by looking at the creative value of today’s pop culture:
- Great Art Explained — James Payne started this YouTube channel in 2020 with the very simple idea of examining history’s great works, one piece at a time, clearly and concisely. Payne narrates from behind the proverbial curtain, letting the artworks be the stars of the show. In just a few years he’s gained more than 1 million subscribers, helping so many people experience the transcendent beauty of fine art.
- The Needle Drop — Do you like music? So does Anthony Fantano, which is why he listens to pretty much everything under the sun, and streams his thoughts on particular records for anyone who wants to know them. He’s adamant in saying that his reviews are personal, not the one final be-all-end-all truth about each artist’s work. But the carefully constructed and honest video essays make it obvious that “Melon,” as Fantano is adoringly called by some fans, keeps an open mind about all genres.
- CineFix — A film nerd’s paradise, this channel covers movies (both new and old) from every angle. Presenting “academic” film theories in a down-to-Earth fashion, the CineFix team may be most well-known for their Movie List video series. Some popular titles include “The 10 Most Uplifting Movies of All Time,” “The 5 Most Idiosyncratic Directors,” and “Top 10 Supporting Roles that Stole the Show.” This cinephile club is always accepting new members.
Join Meetup groups for the arts
It’s easy to find people who like what you like. Whether it’s purely art appreciation, or even dabbling in your own creative expression, there are so many arts and culture groups getting together for the culture. One awesome community that blends both practices is the Central Park Sketching & Art Meetup Group. They’ve got nearly 7,900 members who often draw at museums, including under-the-radar spots with cutting edge art.
Other groups like ChicagoLand Art Gallery, Museum & Music Events… Plus! are more varied, attending everything from studio tours and jazz festivals to film screenings and cultural celebrations. Once you’ve got a little art crew forming, invite them to any Meetup events that sound interesting. You can even create your own Meetup group and help guide others through the art world by planning shared experiences you’re passionate about.
Find events, join groups, and communicate with your people—from anywhere. Download the Meetup app today!
Last modified on January 22, 2024
