Visual Arts

Hawai‘i’s visual arts community includes artists, artisans, curators, galleries, museums, cultural organizations, educators and creative entrepreneurs working across drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, fiber, wood, metal, glass, mixed media and installation.

Together, they support creative expression, cultural knowledge, local business activity and opportunities for Hawai‘i artists to share their work with audiences in the islands and beyond.

Visual Arts in Hawai‘i

Hawai‘i’s visual arts sector reflects the islands’ cultural diversity, Native Hawaiian traditions and contemporary creative voices. Artists and arts organizations help preserve cultural knowledge, strengthen community connections and contribute to Hawai‘i’s creative economy.

Local resources include:

Sculptor Frank Sheriff at the University of Hawaii foundry, poring bronze into one of his molds
  • Hawaii Arts Alliance – A statewide nonprofit organization that advocates for the arts and supports policies, programs and partnerships that strengthen Hawai‘i’s arts community.
  • Hawaii Craftsmen – A nonprofit organization representing artists working in ceramics, fiber, wood, metal, glass and mixed media.
  • Honolulu Printmakers – A nonprofit organization that promotes printmaking through exhibitions, education and community programs.
  • The ARTS at Marks Garage – A community arts center in Honolulu’s downtown-Chinatown district that supports exhibitions, performances, workshops and community programming.

  • Volcano Art Center – A nonprofit organization representing artists of Hawai`i.  It operates a fine art gallery and offers educational programs to the public.

Role of the Creative Industries Division

The Creative Industries Division supports Hawai‘i’s creative economy through programs, partnerships and initiatives that strengthen local talent, business development and creative industry growth.

For visual artists and arts organizations, this includes support for creative entrepreneurship, professional development, market access and opportunities that help artists build sustainable creative businesses.

By the Numbers – 2024

  • 8,779 – Jobs in Hawai‘i’s Performing and Creative Arts industry group 
  • 6,540 – Jobs in Independent Artists, Writers and Performers 
  • 475 – Jobs in Art Dealers 
  • 3,263 – Jobs in Hawai‘i’s Cultural Activities industry group 
  • 3.53 – Cultural Activities job concentration compared with the U.S. 

*Source – Hawai‘i’s Creative Industries Update Report 2026, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.