Today, there are more practicing artists then ever before.
And, with the market unstable and prices sinking, artists need to be very resourceful to survive.
Although some artists have day jobs and others rely solely on their artistic practice, all of them welcome exhibitions, commissions, reviews, grants, and sales.
Artists need to be proactive about finding support.
There are many resources that artists can tap into as individuals or collectively.
A blog, called Resources for Artists, provides a wide variety of these necessary resources.
From residency programs to public art commissions, it's really helpful and is updated frequently with new opportunities.
One of my favorite residency programs for international artists and curators is The International Studio and Curatorial Program (ISCP).
Now based in Brooklyn, the program provides the necessary studio space and important professional network for those accepted into the program.
It's these kinds of opportunities that can lead to a break-through exhibition at a New York gallery or simply provide a quiet place to work in busy New York.
Besides residency programs, artists should also check out their local arts councils, non-profit centers and commercial galleries for funding resources and exhibition opportunities.
Of course, there is the largest annual funder of the arts in the US, The National Endowment For The Arts, which provides great resources at the national and individual level.
Recently the Senate finalized it's economic plan to put aside $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts to give to arts groups to create and save jobs.
Though $50 million is less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the $820 billion funding package, national arts leaders say what's significant is that they are being invited to take part in the discussion, along with banking and auto industry leaders.
This is a good sign that the new US administration is seeking a new path and artists can benefit.