NOT REAL ART started with a simple but powerful idea: to celebrate and support artists in meaningful ways. Founded by Scott “Sourdough” Power, NOT REAL ART has spent years building a community of artists and art lovers, creating opportunities for creative voices to be heard. Over time, it has grown into a platform for podcasts, grants, exhibitions, and education.
Now, with the support of Arterial —a 501(c)(3) non-profit as its fiscal sponsor —NOT REAL ART is poised for even greater impact. Arterial provides the structural and financial backing to expand these initiatives. This collaboration ensures that NOT REAL ART can continue to empower artists, amplify their work, and foster a vibrant, inclusive art community for years to come.
The NOT REAL ART Podcast Network: Past and Future
The NOT REAL ART Podcast Network was created to share stories, insights, and inspiration from artists and creative professionals. Over the years, it has grown into a collection of six podcasts, offering over 300 hours of programming on topics ranging from visual arts to music and comedy. These podcasts have become a vital source of connection for artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Arterial’s sponsorship solidifies the podcast network’s future. With this support, NOT REAL ART can continue producing high-quality episodes, reaching new audiences, and expanding its library of creative content. By ensuring the sustainability of the podcast network, Arterial helps preserve a space where artists’ voices can thrive.
The NOT REAL ART Grant: A Lifeline for Artists
Since its launch in 2019, the NOT REAL ART Grant has provided financial and promotional support to contemporary artists. Each year, six grant recipients are awarded $2,000, along with opportunities to share their stories through interviews and features on the NOT REAL ART blog and podcast. While the monetary support is significant, the program also serves as an entry point to a larger artist network.
Over time, the grant program has built a vast database of artists and their work. This growing collection reflects the talent and diversity of the creative community. This database isn’t just a record—it’s a resource. It now serves as the foundation for NOT REAL ART’s First Friday exhibitions, which celebrate the work of past grant recipients and other artists.
Arterial plays a crucial role in sustaining and growing the grant program. By providing the funding and infrastructure needed to manage applications, communicate with artists, and promote recipients, Arterial ensures the program continues to support artists while enriching the broader art community.
Exhibitions That Matter: “First Fridays” and Beyond
NOT REAL ART launched its First Friday exhibition series to showcase the talent within its artist community. These online exhibitions, organized around themes, highlight the work of grant recipients and other artists from the NOT REAL ART database. The exhibitions have become a favorite feature of the platform, offering a space where art can inspire, provoke thought, and spark dialogue.
Arterial’s support makes these exhibitions possible. From funding operational costs to promoting the exhibitions and coordinating with artists, Arterial ensures that First Fridays remain a vital platform for showcasing diverse talent. This collaboration allows NOT REAL ART to continue spotlighting the stories and work of the artists it has supported over the years.
Educating Artists: The Role of NOT REAL ART School
NOT REAL ART School was created to address a gap in traditional art education. While many artists master their craft, few receive training on the business side of art. The school offers free online courses on topics like art licensing, copyright, branding, and pitching creative ideas. These resources help artists navigate the practical challenges of sustaining a career in the arts.
With Arterial’s backing, NOT REAL ART School is able to keep these resources free and accessible. Arterial’s support ensures that the school can expand its offerings, reach more artists, and continue to provide the tools artists need to succeed in today’s competitive art world.
Empowering Creative Culture Through Live Events
NOT REAL ART brings artists and creatives together through live events that foster growth, collaboration, and community. Over the years, these events have included professional development conferences, such as the NOT REAL ART Conference, which features expert speakers offering practical advice on navigating the art world. Events like smARTtalks focus on industry challenges and strategies, providing artists with actionable insights and opportunities to learn directly from professionals.
In addition to workshops and talks, NOT REAL ART organizes meet-ups, parties, and interactive art experiences like the NOT REAL ART Gallery pop-ups. These gatherings create spaces for artists to connect, share ideas, and showcase their work in innovative environments. With Arterial’s support, these events continue to thrive, ensuring artists have access to tools, connections, and opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
Supporting Art, Empowering Artists
NOT REAL ART has always been about more than just art—it’s about the people who create it. Through its podcasts, grants, exhibitions, and educational resources, NOT REAL ART has built a community that celebrates creativity and supports artists at every stage of their journey.
With Arterial powering its initiatives, NOT REAL ART is set to grow its impact even further. Together, they’re ensuring that artists have the resources, platforms, and recognition they need to thrive. By supporting these programs, Arterial and NOT REAL ART are not just preserving art—they’re building a future where creativity is celebrated and accessible to all.
