If you want to see the richest art markets in terms of consumer participation and artists succeeding (and don't care about adult nature), look no further than t

If you want to see the richest art markets in terms of consumer participation and artists succeeding (and don't care about adult nature), look no further than the anime and furry communities. It is a THRIVING market for commissions and patrons - tens of thousands of artists running the gamut from $5 sketches to $10k oil paintings. Its the best example I've ever seen of a lower/middle class art market working well. What you're "buying" is a representation of your individual expression. The high end "art world" and NYT/New Republic articles could not be further away from these artist communities, both in terms of accessibility and relevance outside the ultra-rich circles that traditional art galleries serve.