The next time you're in the market for some original artwork, consider not only supporting a local artist, but a charitable organization at the same time — all from the comfort of your home. From donating to homeless shelters to building a school in Nepal, here are some places where you can purchase artwork online while giving back.
Paper Collective
The Copenhagen-based company donates a percentage of the proceeds from each sale to a charity or cause, such as building a school in Nepal for several hundred kids. It's also a sustainable operation, using only high-quality, FSC-marked material and under certification of the Swan mark, the official sustainability label for the Nordic countries).
"At Paper Collective we bring together our favorite designers, artists and illustrators to create inspirational and iconic graphic prints and products while promoting great causes and charities. Our three most important principles are social responsibility, sustainability and strong creative partnerships."
ArtLifting
Geared toward businesses, ArtLifting features nearly 3,000 original pieces of artwork, an in-house curator to help design your space, unique gallery style wall labels, and an interactive map to find local artists across the country. Every artist earns 55% from the profit of each sale, with the remainder going art programming at social service agencies, shelters, and disability centers, and furthering ArtLifting's mission.
"ArtLifting empowers artists living with homelessness or disabilities through the celebration and sale of their artwork. ArtLifting is about creating opportunity, empowerment, and validation."
Artist Collective
A web-based collective with galleries in Charleston, Nashville, Atlanta and Washington D.C., The Artist Collective offers affordable, original art by artists in each of those cities, while also giving back to each community. Five percent of every art sale supports a local charity.
"Charities are selected by the Collective as a whole and the charity each location supports changes every two months."