An evening of creativity: how to host your own poster swap

There’s something special about sharing creativity in a relaxed, informal way. After the recent poster swap that Community in print hosted, I’ve been thinking about how simple ideas like this can bring people together, not just to exchange artwork, but to connect, have conversations, and see creativity through someone else’s perspective.

Whether it be prints, postcards, sketchbook pages, even materials you’re no longer using. It’s less about what you bring, and more about the act of sharing. Lots of people simply had a nice time chatting and looking through all of the posters, it was so so lovely! I brought about 150 posters with me, and about 100 of them found new homes! What I loved most was the excitement everyone had when they found a poster that they loved, and the joy of getting to take it home.

 And so I thought I would write this guide incase you want to host your own!

What is a poster swap?

At its core, a poster swap is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of buying something new, you bring along pieces you already own: artwork you’ve collected, spare prints, magazines, or materials, and swap them with friends (and strangers - or about to become friends). It’s a simple way to refresh what you have while giving something a new home. There’s no pressure for things to match in value or style, it’s about finding something that sparks a bit of joy, and getting to take it home with you.

Why it works

We often hold onto things without revisiting them. An art swap creates an opportunity to go through what you already have, to rediscover pieces you’d forgotten about, and pass on ones that might bring someone else joy. It also shifts the focus away from consumption! Instead of buying new, you’re reusing, sharing, and appreciating what already exists. And alongside that, there’s a social aspect: spending time together, having conversations, and connecting through shared interests.

How to host your own poster, art or creative swap

It can be as simple or thoughtful as you like. You could invite a few friends over, meet in a café, or even take it outside if the weather allows. From there it’s just about creating a relaxed space where everyone can lay things out and browse.

A few easy ideas:

• Ask everyone to bring a small selection of art or materials

• Include a mix – prints, cards, books, supplies

• Let people choose naturally, or swap in turns

You could also make an event of it – add food, music, or a small creative activity alongside the swap. Something like this isn’t just about the swapping, it’s the atmosphere you create around it. Taking time to spend time together in a more intentional way. You may end up talking about where pieces came from, what you’re inspired by, or even planning future creative ideas together!

A gentle invitation

If you’ve been looking for a way to reconnect with creativity, or with others, this could be a simple place to start. What better time to do it than spring, when everything needs a refresh. It doesn’t need to be perfect or planned in detail, just a small gathering, a few pieces, and an openness to share. You might be surprised at what comes from it.

And at the very least, you’ll leave with something new, whether a piece of art, or just a sense of connection.