About ArtLifting
Our Mission
ArtLifting advances access to the art market by connecting artists impacted by disabilities and housing insecurity with socially conscious customers to create meaningful spaces and products.
Image: Collage of ArtLifting artists.
Our Model
ArtLifting is a for-profit public benefit corporation committed to building financial resilience for artists with disabilities and experience with housing insecurity.
Artists earn the majority of the profit from every art sale. We work closely with our community to create accessible opportunities.
Creating financial resilience
ArtLifting has generated tens of millions in sales and royalties, driving significant economic resilience for artists with disabilities across the US.
Image: Elizabeth Belstraz painting at a table.
Increasing confidence and motivation
The impact of an art sale goes beyond finances – artists report selling their artwork impacts all areas of their lives.
Image: Kenneth Williams drawing at a picnic table.
Broadening perspectives
By acquiring and renting artwork by ArtLifting artists, our partners design social impact into their spaces.
Image: A mural of Outlive, Outlast, Endure Them by Madison Elyse Rubenstein at Harvard iLab.
Our Story
“We want an opportunity, not a handout.”
Liz Powers, co-founder and CEO of ArtLifting, heard this a lot when working as a social worker at housing navigation centers and community art programs in Boston.
A lot of her clients could not earn an income in traditional ways due to their own unique circumstances and health issues.
At the shelters, Liz would see clients create beautiful artworks.
While their art practice was therapeutic and provided community, most of the art ended up collecting dust in a closet – never to be seen or appreciated by anyone. As an artist herself, it was disheartening to know such talent was hidden away.
Creating artwork allowed people to process and heal – but could art lift them up economically?
In 2013, Liz and her brother, Spencer, founded ArtLifting to create opportunities for artists who faced significant barriers to inclusion in the art market.
By connecting corporate clients with underrepresented artists, ArtLifting contributes to a more accessible economy and inclusive society where people are defined by their talents not their circumstance.
Image: Liz Powers and artist Scott Benner holding up one of his drawings.
Our Social Impact
Annual Impact Report
Every year we survey ArtLifting artists to learn more about how our partnership impacts their lives. The data helps measure our social impact and community trends.
Talented artists
Innovative art, powerful stories
We represent over 190 talented artists in 35 states, and counting. Every artist has a unique style and story to share.
Image: MJ Cooper with her paintings.
Diverse Supplier
Women-owned business
ArtLifting is a proud NAWBO certified Women's Business Enterprise. Speak to an Art Advisor to learn how ArtLifting contributes to supplier diversity initiatives.
Image: Liz Powers speaking at Demand Solutions in Chile.
Our Values
Create Opportunity
Our artists, team, and clients partner to build access to the art market for everyone. Artists earn income and gain validation, confidence, and hope.
Spark Creativity
We redefine what is possible. Artists’ artwork, innovative practices, and stories of resilience inspire, enlighten, and broaden perspectives.
Deliver Value
We are a social and cultural educator and trusted artwork provider. We act with integrity and are motivated by the success of our artists and clients.
Act with Purpose
We are an impact-driven organization that is thoughtful in approach and intentional in action. With focus we move the needle on creating opportunity, addressing needs, and bringing happiness to others.
Learn Always
We are agile and openminded in identifying the best solutions and opportunities to support our stakeholders. We leverage data and thoughtfully reflect to excel in the present and plan for the future.
How does your company live your values?
Our Work
Make your values visible
We offer a full suite of efficient and effective art solutions for any environment.
Our team makes curating art for your space a seamless experience – from strategy and design, to installation and activation. We partner with companies and institutions to beautify spaces with artwork by incredible artists with disabilities to authentically engage communities.
Rotation Programs
Energize environments, celebrate community, and keep spaces fresh
Acquisitions
Invest in original artwork created by emerging contemporary artists
Mix and Match
Maximize visual and social impact with customizable art solutions
Image: Juliana Alonso making art with adaptive tools she created.
ArtLifting Newsletter
Subscribe to the ArtLifting newsletter to learn about artists, projects, and the future of art.