Challenging the boundaries around the value of art and bringing the art community closer together have inspired Martinborough design team Dustys and Lulu to embark on a new venture called Swapsies.
Mike and Lindie Sleyer launched Swapsies last week, an online project where artists can feature on the Dustys and
Lulu website, and other artists can propose a swap with one of their works. The only cost involved is postage and, aside from that, Lindie says, it's "free art".
"We wanted to start it as an idea to build New Zealand's creative community, because New Zealand is such a creative place and you see so much amazing art come out of it," Lindie said.
"We've seen websites overseas that do a similar type of thing, so on our website an artist or creative person can feature up to six pieces of artwork and then we share it on social networks, and anyone who likes it can swap it with a piece of their artwork."
Since moving to Martinborough from Wellington six months ago, Lindie said she and Mike had discovered a thriving art community they never knew existed.
