On 16 March 2020, as the UK locked down as a response to Covid-19, artist Matthew Burrows had an idea of how to support artists struggling financially during the pandemic by using social media and centred on Instagram #artistsupportpledge.

Artist Support Pledge (ASP) asks artists and makers to post images on Instagram using the #artistsupportpledge hashtag, giving details of their works and price to a maximum of £200. If people are interested in buying, they direct message the artist. Every time an artist reaches £1,000 of sales, they pledge to buy £200 of work from other artist(s).

Over the last 18 months, ASP has become a global phenomenon with 90K followers. Its spirit of mutual support and generosity has enabled artists worldwide to maintain a vital income stream at a time when most sales channels disappeared overnight, and artists found themselves facing uncertain financial futures.

This simple artist-to-patron, artist-to-artist formula has proved revolutionary. ASP was set up as an emergency response to a desperate situation but has now evolved into a new cultural economy formed out of a simple idea. Since 2020 it is estimated that over £100 million of sales have been generated through the ASP movement

Working closely with arts organisations Hastings Contemporary, The New Art Gallery Walsall & leading arts professionals, ASP has evolved to include a digital and live programme for participants.

Further information on Artist Matthew Burrows