Why I Believe Art Should Be Affordable and Inclusive

Art has a reputation for being exclusive — something reserved for galleries, specialists, or people who already see themselves as “creative”. I’ve never believed that should be the case. For me, art should be approachable, affordable and open to everyone, regardless of experience, confidence or background.

Creativity isn’t about talent or training — it’s about expression. Yet so many people tell me they “can’t paint” or that art isn’t for them, often because of experiences at school or the fear of doing it “wrong”. When art feels intimidating or expensive, it puts up unnecessary barriers. My aim has always been to take those barriers down.

Affordability plays a huge role in that. Many creative workshops and Paint & Sip events are priced as special-occasion experiences, which can make them inaccessible for people who’d love to attend more regularly. I wanted to create something different — sessions that feel like a midweek treat rather than a luxury. By keeping ticket prices fair and separating the cost of drinks, people can make the evening their own, whether that’s a glass of wine, a soft drink or a coffee.

Inclusivity also means creating spaces where people feel comfortable the moment they walk in. Hosting Paint & Sip sessions in local pubs and restaurants helps remove the pressure that can come with traditional art classes. These are social, welcoming environments where laughter is encouraged, perfection is not, and everyone is free to enjoy the process at their own pace.

I’m also passionate about inclusivity in a broader sense — supporting local venues, bringing people together, and creating shared experiences that strengthen communities. Midweek creative events help pubs and restaurants while giving people something positive to look forward to in their week.

At Studio Fifty Art, my belief is simple: art should be something you can dip into regularly, not something you save for rare occasions. It should fit into real life, feel joyful rather than daunting, and be accessible to anyone who wants to give it a go.

If someone leaves a session feeling lighter, more confident, and pleasantly surprised by what they’ve created, then I know I’m doing something right.