A website on a mission to “disrupt the rarefied world of contemporary art” by showcasing only Bristol artists has been launched by a city-based campaigner.
BrisArt promises to provide artists with an opportunity to champion their work for a fraction of the industry’s standard commission fees. 
In order to be represented on BrisArt, artists must have either been born, educated or have had a substantial practice in Bristol.
The site is already representing seven artists – some up and coming at the beginning of their careers while others are already established with proven track records.
Founder Chris Luffingham, who has had a successful career in local and national politics and campaigns, said galleries tended to demand commission fees of between 40% and 50% of the sale price of an artwork – with some also insisting on additional upfront fees from the artists they represent.
“The commercial art market is a closed world to many artists,” he added.
“The pressures of exorbitant commission rates and the challenge of self-promotion is crippling for most artists. It means many artists simply cannot afford to pursue their craft.
“We have ended up with an art market dictated by patronage from the galleries, who then enforce predatory fees.”
Chris, pictured, who is deputy CEO of the League Against Cruel Sports, said galleries determined what was considered ‘good art’ and forced a select few artists to inflate the price at which they sold their work so that they could survive.
“How can it be justified that a gallery takes half the value of a piece of work? I have heard stories of some galleries taking as much as 80% commission,” he said.
“I don’t think that is right. If artists are going to have a career and be able to survive, we need to be putting more of the fruits of their labour back in their pockets.
“Making sure the artist receives more of the reward means they can produce more work.
“We are going to be charging a commission fee of just 25%. That’s enough to keep us running and ensure that artists see more of their money.”
Chris, who grew up and went to school in Bristol, described the city’s visual art scene as world class and culturally diverse.
“It may come as a surprise to some, but Bristol is about more than just Banksy – as much as we love him.
“The name of the city alone is synonymous with innovation, experimentation and creative output at the cutting edge.
“Where Bristol leads, others follow. BrisArt showcases these artists, the heartbeat of the city’s vibrant scene.
“BrisArt has simple aims – help artists thrive and help people buy great art.”
Chris was the architect of the successful campaign to elect Bristol’s first mayor George Ferguson and also lead the Green Party to its most successful general election in 2015 as national campaigns director.
