The transformative power of supporting creators online
Illustration by Connie Noble.
by Jessi Cape
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If the idea of artistic patronage sparks visions of hoity-toity soirees, or if community-building conjures images of door-to-door clipboard requests, you might not be a Patreon or Substack subscriber. Yet.
The idea to help artists pay rent by being paid for their work gained a lot of traction during the desperation of 2020’s lockdown, but patronage of the arts dates back thousands of years. Renaissance paintings and sculptures that are now famous, for example, were largely funded by patrons of the arts. But support for the arts is not borne of pure altruism. It’s a practice rooted in the exchange of ideas and designed to support creators in their artistic endeavors, but it’s also great for promoting well-being and building community from scratch.
The internet has revolutionized the way we exchange art and foster connection. People from diverse backgrounds can come together, share common interests, and engage in collaborations that transcend geographical (and other) boundaries. Platforms like Patreon and Substack can also be an accessible gateway to informal learning and continuing education. Supporting independent artists this way creates individual contributors to the arts ecosystem, which indirectly supports well-being benefits for themselves and the whole community.
Connie Noble
Science backs it up
Studies have found that participation in the arts can promote stable mental health, reduce stress, and enhance overall life satisfaction. A 2022 National Library of Medicine study explains that although neither “arts” nor “well-being” have specific universal definitions, “arts and cultural practices enhance social cohesion, preserve culturally relevant social capital, and contribute to healthy communities, as well as to individual well-being.”
In an NLM 2019 book, evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being includes health benefits spanning many pages. A smattering: improved relationships between dementia patients and caregivers; improved children's healthy eating attitudes and body image; lower levels of biological stress in daily life and lower daily anxiety; reduced risk of developing mental illness such as depression in adolescence and in older age; increased self-esteem, self-acceptance, confidence, and self-worth; improved cognitive reserve; better social cohesion and conflict resolution.
It’s pretty clear that, as stated in the review: “people who engage with the arts are more likely to lead healthier lives… irrespective of their socioeconomic status and social capital.”
So how do we gain access to all this beneficial art? And how do we ensure a fair exchange?
“Content creators” are a dime a dozen, but the ones that really make it all work in a monetized way are more rare. Patreon and Substack, which offer artists of all kinds (not simply those with video chops) a platform to peddle their creations at whatever cost they deem appropriate, can help creators to earn a living wage. There are usually tiered pricing and timing options and some even have pay-what-you-can points of access.
Internet communities, when done well, can provide a sense of belonging and support, leading to improved health (including cardiovascular and mental) and increased life satisfaction. It’s worth noting that behind the paywall, encountering trolls cloaked as subscribers is a rare scenario, which is a major selling point for anyone past their threshold of online haters. “Online” should be a safe space to be treasured, both for its rarity and its ability to foster growth and connection.
Connie Noble
There’s something for everyone
Penchant for screenwriting? There’s a huge group of experienced professionals waiting to share nuggets of wisdom and fuel your journey. Want to curb late night doomscrolling and snacking with a healthy new musical practice? There are a gazillion options. At least a few dozen resources exist for those seeking fashion secrets or career advice. Want to expand your anti-racism toolkit or join a book club? Space exploration, parenthood, restorative agriculture? You name it, and there’s probably someone creating around it with the hope for an engaged virtual hub to connect with similarly arts-minded folks.
These alternative income methods for creators allow people to pledge various amounts (usually starting at $5) to directly support all kinds of writers, artists, podcasters, YouTubers, musicians, and others. Creators share their work directly with their audience and receive financial support through subscriptions while individuals gain access to exclusive content and perks.
This is a way of connecting dreamers to their dreams
A few notable examples:
There’s Hoorae, Issa Rae's Patreon page where “because of [subscribers endeared as Hooligans], [they]'ve been able to connect hundreds of creators and supporters with movers and shakers of color who are making strides in the entertainment industry.”
Acclaimed and influential Rachel Cargle — self-described writer, gatherer, arts advocate, entrepreneur, amateur cellist, founder — shares thought-provoking essays and workshops focused on crucial issues like racial justice and feminism via Patreon.
Austin workout queen, photographer, and one-time mayoral candidate Erica Nix cultivates a supportive environment for the queer community through engaging, neon-colored fitness routines. The inclusive "Work Out with Erica" classes celebrate body positivity, with subscriptions starting at $1 for BIPOC.
The Americans of Conscience Checklist offers patrons a way to stay informed and engaged with actions to support U.S. democracy and equality. Historian and professor Heather Cox Richardson shares “Letters from an American” on Substack, where she has over 1 million subscribers.
Through her thoughtfully crafted essays on “The Feminist Kitchen,” Addie Broyles, a renowned Austin journalist, explores food culture, grief, kids, and ancestral healing, inviting readers to engage. After leaving her longtime role at the Austin American Statesman, her newsletter offers financial incentive to continue writing pieces her audience adores.
Screenwriter and New York Times best-selling author Kelly Oxford has “Permanent Retrograde,” where she shares witty content not found on her public Instagram.
An Esquire article about three major writers — George Saunders, Chuck Palahniuk, and Salman Rushdie — who have all tried their hand at Substack, closes with: “The more perfect internet we all dream of — one free of misinformation and abuse, one rich in community and meaningful connection — is a reality on these novelists’ Substacks. It can be a reality elsewhere on the internet, if we want it badly enough, and if we’re willing to make the changes it’ll take. If you’ve got six dollars to spare, you can start the work now.”
It’s a win-win situation: Individuals can directly support independent artists, enjoy their content, find community, and boost their own physical and mental health. Plus, the entry points are relatively inexpensive — it doesn’t require funding a Sistine Chapel-level project to reap the rewards. Finally, adding “patron of the arts” to your name has a nice ring to it.