The Reason

Being avid art collectors and followers of the contemporary and street art scene, we have become ever increasingly frustrated at charlatans popping up and stocking their cyber-shelves with the spoils of ram-raids on opening nights or the grabbing of latest releases from established print-houses, then charging a small fortune for them.

Art-el has a different approach and vision; one that we hope will be refreshing in today’s environment. Ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous with many stops in between, Art-el is the meeting of people with a passion for art in many forms from a variety of established and breakthrough artists in the UK and around the globe.

The Name

An artel is a co-operative union or organisation of producers, predominately artists & artisans all working for the collective effort. Often artels were seasonal gatherings, a coming together of like minded folk, to paint, produce, teach, entertain and exchange their works. Above all they wanted to talk, sing and be merry amongst good friends.

The most well documented artel in recent history came from a revolt in the darkest depths of communist Russia. In 1863 at the St Petersburg Academy of Arts a rebellion stirred, Ivan Kramskoi and friends wrote petitions to the Academic Council asking them to grant free choice of subjects for their Major Gold Medal examination. Having received no positive response the enraged students stormed and took occupation of the academy following hostile protests. After protracted and fruitless negotiations the fourteen firebombed the art department and escaped under the cover of darkness.

They swiftly formed an independent community of artists called the Art-el and were joined by many likeminded creatives often working far from home. This whole murky affair will forever be filed under ‘’The revolt of the fourteen’’.

Our mission

We take our lead from Ivan Kramskoi and his crew of thirteen. As non-conformists, our aim is to bring together a band of free thinking, artistic and talented individuals whose muck we like, and enjoy spreading.

Art-el supports new and fresh art and curates exhibitions, in different spaces and locations and generally encourages people to have a voice through art. This organic, eclectic collaboration of like-minded persons & artisans strives towards a common goal of producing quality, attainable and affordable artwork.

To follow the values of Ivan and his crew we want to give something back, so we commit to giving 10% of annual profits to local charities, which put on workshops with local kids and disenfranchised youth.