Mahvin Delnavaz

The gap between art school and the real world is wider than anyone warned you. Here's what to expect and how to land on your feet. 1. The structure disappears overnight Art school gives you something so valuable you don't notice it until it's gone: external structure. Deadlines. Feedback. A reason to be in the studio on a Tuesday. A community of people making things around you. The moment you graduate, all of that vanishes simultaneously. Most new graduates don't have a "creative block" in...

Image by pikisuperstar on Freepik In 2025, Alma Economics released a major evaluation of Ireland’s Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot — one of the most ambitious artist-support programs in the world. The results were striking: over €100 million in social and economic benefits , improved psychological wellbeing, and increased artistic output across the country. While this is an Irish initiative, the findings speak directly to the realities of artists everywhere — including here in Canada....

Art is more than just a creation; it’s a pulse, a breath, a story told in colors, shapes, and textures. But behind every masterpiece, there’s a journey filled with challenges, doubts, and moments of pure inspiration. How do we, as a community, ensure that artists not only survive but thrive? How do we provide the kind of support that fuels creativity and sustains passion? Let me take you through some artist support strategies that have the power to transform lives and elevate art itself....