The Anatomy of Support

We believe art is not a luxury, but a fundamental pillar of humanity. Yet, the creators who build this pillar are often the most vulnerable. This is our story, our mission, and our unwavering commitment to ensuring that art and its makers not only survive, but thrive.

Our Genesis

A journey sparked by a single observation: the profound gap between artistic creation and sustainable living.

The story of AidArtists is not one of sudden epiphany, but of a slow, simmering realization. It began not in a boardroom, but in the mind of our founder, Frode Rødland, a passionate art lover who witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by creative professionals. He saw friends, acquaintances, and talented creators — painters, photographers, musicians, and digital artists — pouring their hearts into their craft, enriching the cultural landscape, only to face instability, uncertainty, and the agonizing choice between basic needs and their art. The world celebrated their work but often overlooked the artist behind it. This dissonance was a quiet crisis happening in studios, rehearsal spaces, and creative hubs everywhere.

Frode recognized the systemic gap: a lack of meaningful platforms for artists to connect with supporters, limited access to exposure, and the undervaluation of creative work. He asked himself: "How can we build a community where artists and fans thrive together?" It was this question that transformed his empathy into action. From this vision, AidArtists was born — a platform to connect creators and fans, foster collaboration, and nurture a shared sense of belonging in the art world. Our roots are not in charity, but in connection. We are not patrons looking down, but a community lifting up, built on the belief that supporting artists strengthens culture for everyone.

2021: The Spark

Founder Frode Rødland launches the initial concept of AidArtists, a digital platform to connect artists and fans, planting the seed for a global creative community.

2022: Formalization

AidArtists is officially incorporated as a non-profit organization, with a founding board of advocates, artists, and community leaders. Our mission is codified: to provide holistic support for creative professionals through connection, visibility, and engagement.

2023: First Major Program Launch

The 'Studio Sanctuary' initiative is launched, collaborating with creative spaces and community hubs to provide safe, functional, and inspiring environments for artists to create and connect.

2024: Expanding the Definition of Support

Recognizing that an artist's well-being is central, we introduce initiatives focused on mental wellness, networking, and professional development to help creators thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Our Mission

To build a resilient and equitable ecosystem for artists by providing a comprehensive safety net that includes financial aid, professional resources, and wellness support, ensuring that creators have the stability to pursue a sustainable and impactful career.

Our Vision

We envision a world where art is universally valued as essential work, and all artists have the fundamental resources and opportunities to thrive, create, and innovate without fear of poverty or precarity. A future where the path of an artist is a path of dignity.

Our Values

Artist-Centricity: Every decision is made with the artist's needs and voice at its core.
Empathy in Action: We provide support with dignity, trust, and a deep understanding of the creative struggle.
Radical Solidarity: We are more than an organization; we are a community built on mutual support and collective well-being.
Systemic Change: We aim not just to patch problems, but to advocate for and build a more just and sustainable creative economy.

Our Impact, In Numbers

Artists Supported

Fan Interactions & Engagements

Hours of Mentorship & Legal Aid

Studio Spaces Secured

How We Help: Our Core Programs

Our support is not one-size-fits-all. We've developed a multi-pronged approach to address the complex challenges artists face, providing a holistic framework for a sustainable creative life.

Abstract representation of financial aid

The Lifeline Grant Program

The cornerstone of our foundation, the Lifeline Grant, provides rapid, unrestricted emergency financial assistance to artists facing dire circumstances. This isn't a competitive award for future projects; it's immediate aid to prevent a crisis from derailing a career. Whether it's covering rent to avoid eviction, paying for an unexpected medical bill, or replacing stolen equipment, this grant serves as a critical safety net. The application process is streamlined and confidential, designed to reduce stress, not add to it. We trust artists to know what they need, so funds are unrestricted, allowing them the dignity and autonomy to address their most pressing challenges. It is a direct intervention designed to keep artists housed, healthy, and able to continue their invaluable work.

The Studio Sanctuary Initiative

An artist's studio is more than a workspace; it's a laboratory, a sanctuary, and a necessity. Yet, skyrocketing real estate costs are pushing creators out of the very communities they enrich. Our Studio Sanctuary Initiative tackles this issue head-on by forging innovative partnerships with real estate developers, property managers, and municipal governments. We secure long-term leases on underutilized spaces and convert them into safe, functional, and affordable studios. We then offer these spaces to artists through a subsidized rental program. This provides the stability needed for long-term projects and fosters a sense of community, transforming isolated artists into a network of peers who can collaborate, critique, and support one another.

Abstract representation of mental wellness

The Creative Mind Wellness Program

The immense pressure, financial instability, and constant self-evaluation inherent in a creative career can take a significant toll on mental health. The Creative Mind program is our commitment to the total well-being of the artist. We provide artists with access to a network of vetted therapists and counselors who specialize in the unique challenges faced by creative professionals—many of whom are creatives themselves. The program offers free or heavily subsidized one-on-one therapy sessions, support groups, and workshops on topics like managing creative anxiety, preventing burnout, and building resilience. We are actively working to destigmatize mental healthcare in the arts and to provide a safe, confidential space for creators to nurture their most important instrument: their mind.

The People Behind the Mission

A dedicated group of artists, advocates, and experts united by a common belief in the power of art.

Frode Rødland

Founder

An art enthusiast and visionary, Frode created AidArtists to bridge the gap between creators and supporters, building a platform that empowers artists and cultivates meaningful engagement.

Nupur Nayak

Operation

Nupur oversees the day-to-day operations of AidArtists, ensuring that every initiative runs efficiently and aligns with our mission. Her leadership keeps programs, partnerships, and teams working seamlessly toward supporting artists worldwide.

Arun Talukdar

Developer

Arun leads the development of the AidArtists platform, focusing on building intuitive, reliable, and engaging tools that connect artists with their audiences. His work ensures a smooth digital experience that empowers creativity and collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about who we are and what we do.

Our services are intended for professional artists who are actively pursuing a career in their discipline and can demonstrate a sustained commitment to their practice. While our focus is broad—encompassing visual artists, performing artists, writers, musicians, and more—our emergency grants are specifically for those facing a verifiable, time-sensitive crisis that threatens their housing, health, or ability to work. Program eligibility varies, so we encourage artists to review the specific guidelines for each initiative.

AidArtists is funded through a diverse mix of revenue streams to ensure our long-term sustainability. The majority of our funding comes from individual donors who believe in our mission, grants from philanthropic foundations dedicated to the arts and social welfare, and corporate sponsorships. We do not accept government funding that would compromise our ability to serve all artists equitably. We are deeply committed to financial transparency, and our annual reports are available on our website.

No. Our flagship Lifeline Grants are intentionally not project-based. They are unrestricted emergency funds. We believe that during a crisis, an artist's primary need is stability, not the pressure to produce a new body of work. By providing unrestricted funds, we empower artists with the autonomy to address their most critical needs, be it rent, medical care, or childcare. This approach is rooted in our core value of trusting artists.

Join The Movement

The ecosystem of art depends on a community of support. Whether you are a philanthropist, a volunteer, or a fellow artist, you have a role to play in building a more sustainable future for the arts.

Join Us