![giphy.gif](https://steemitimages.com/DQmSiDzYoqoC95CjWK9LSWd8oZtB9JWyHZR8gTr6BqTgthF/giphy.gif)
<h6>Gif from [The Artist's Dilemma (1901)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bghDbisU2j0) </h6>

So is blockchain the advent of [Web 4.0](https://flatworldbusiness.wordpress.com/flat-education/previously/web-1-0-vs-web-2-0-vs-web-3-0-a-bird-eye-on-the-definition/)? Is it a [new renaissance](https://steemit.com/blockchain/@sndbox/a-discussion-about-blockchain-and-the-digital-renaissance) as some would like to believe?  Can upvotes to artists and creative types ***actually*** support their lifestyle and craft? Or is this just a jump from crowdsourced kickstarter campaigns or [Patreon pages](https://www.patreon.com/)  to the newest shiny platform?

A simple search on Steemit for "artist" yields copious results of posts that act as pseudo portfolios for artists around the web. Some are quite handy like this post from @lilyraabe [listing 5 grants that fund individual artists](https://steemit.com/creativity/@lilyraabe/5-artist-grants-usdusd-to-help-you-thrive) while others [lead you deeper down the rabbit hole.](https://steemit.com/steemit/@veralynn/women-of-steemit-artist-edition)

As trite as it is ... making art is hard. Passion and perseverance often do not lead to pay. So artists find side-hustles to support themselves so they can pursue their creative impulses. The lucky few who can earn a living through their art must then face the challenge of forcing creativity through deadlines, feedback changes and revisions (but that's a different post). 

Currently the United States  government is slashing support for the arts and public media, I can't help but wonder if our culture even values art making any more. Is a government's disbursement of funds an accurate reflection of a society? Or is making art the struggle of individuals, and not the responsibility of a nation?

Shout out to street artist [Joe Boruchow](http://joeboruchow.blogspot.com/)
![Shorn Flag photo.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmRTxmTFaFStvTv47HrZdpcrDSuFjKgDPajYBcY3DJzJdr/Shorn%20Flag%20photo.JPG)

As an artist, I wish I could just draw all day and not worry about the business of art. Most art schools would have us believe this fantasy too since they do a piss-pour job of training students on how to actually earn a living as an artist. Instead, we must search for galleries, non-profits, and or foundations that have a mission that our work "fits" into.  We draft artists statements in the hope that someone jives with our vision and our identity so that we can catch our big break: an exhibition (where we might sell a piece and give 30-50% away on commission), a small grant to do research for our next big idea, or a week-long residency where we can "get away to focus" on our work.  How is any of this sustainable as a career for an artist to live and have a family?

Artists need general operating budgets so they can do their work – Ask the tough questions, inspire conversations, and make our world a tiny bit more beautiful. Sadly, most foundations do not fund operations for 501 c3 non-profit organizations, let alone individual artists. But, maybe the [idealist vision of Steemit as an engine for artists](https://steemit.com/art/@voronoi/steemit-for-artists-a-new-stage-for-craft) isn't just a pipedream? 

![giphy-downsized-large.gif](https://steemitimages.com/DQmRus7BE2BZtacJPe3S5jxHxipFr4gEBt3UbQDSWzqDJw9/giphy-downsized-large.gif)

Perhaps, all we need is a geek squad (or [incubator](https://steemit.com/@sndbox)) to train artists on how to leverage Steemit? Maybe, there's an [innovative non-profit](https://steemit.com/nonprofit/@peartree4/painted-bride-on-the-cusp) out there whose mission is to support and assist artists? Maybe, they just need to launch a blockchain literacy program that can empower their constituents to go out there and mine new currencies while they make more art?

![giphy (1).gif](https://steemitimages.com/DQmZzcCorqbHYMqd8Y94obUyJajmvbpG6jprYBnqcLkzGe9/giphy%20(1).gif)

<h5>How else can Steemit and or other blockchain platforms help artists support themselves while they do their thing? Share your comments below!</h5>




<sup>100% of the SBD rewards from this #explore1918 post will support the Philadelphia History Initiative @phillyhistory. This crypto-experiment conducted by graduate courses at Temple University's Center for Public History and MLA Program, is exploring history and empowering education. Click here to learn more.</sup>