Top 31 Art Cities
Art cities are cultural centers where artists, galleries, collectors, education, and institutions meet, making them true hotspots of the art world. A common question among artists is if they have to move to a big city in order to become successful artists. And if so, what are the best cities to live and work as an artist? In this article, we discuss the importance of major art cities for artists—encompassing the main benefits and drawbacks—and where to find them.
Benefits of Living in an Art City
There are several key benefits for artists living in major art cities:
- Access to galleries, dealers, curators, and collectors who can promote and sell your work
- Vibrant artistic community to connect with and draw inspiration from
- Abundant exhibition and performance opportunities to gain exposure
- Availability of art supplies, studio space, and equipment for purchase or rent
- Educational institutions providing quality arts instruction and networking
Of course, these myriad opportunities come with a cost—namely the higher cost of living associated with cultural hubs. Housing, studio space, and basic needs tend to be more expensive. Competition is also fierce in top art cities. However, for many, the professional and creative gains outweigh the cons.
The Top 31 Global Art Cities
Based on factors like the number of eminent galleries, contemporary artists, museums and art institutions, population, education options, and overall art scene, here are 30 vital art city hubs:
- New York City
- London
- Berlin
- Paris
- Los Angeles
- Amsterdam
- Antwerp
- Barcelona
- Basel
- Beijing
- Budapest
- Brussels
- Chicago
- Cologne
- Dubai
- Frankfurt
- Istanbul
- Leipzig
- Lisbon
- Madrid
- Milan
- Munich
- Rome
- São Paulo
- San Francisco
- Seoul
- Shanghai
- Tokyo
- Vienna
- Zurich
- Miami
From ultra-expensive cultural epicenters to more affordable up-and-coming art destinations, artists can find their ideal city match to plant roots and propel their careers. The artistic communities, abundant resources, and networking opportunities of major art hubs make them prime real estate for artists.
