Back in the day, around 2000 or so, at the side – waiting to be unleashed as needed, as Kuona Trust, artists would throw around this the artist continued in the creation of their term “cash crop”. “Hio ni cash crop”, artists masterpiece. Some artists seemed to make cash would point out to each other knowingly... crops on demand – when there was a need for humorously. It didn’t take long to understand quick money. what was meant by this. “Cash crop” was the term used for art work that was created, quite Back then, cash crops were still hand made - quickly and clearly with the intention to make hand painted or hand sculpted or hand printed some quick cash. by the artist. So they were actual real artworks but in smaller scale. The cash crop has since Cash crops were small, quickly done, not too evolved and grown - the cash crop is now known much time or materials taken to make them, as merchandise. not pricey. They’d be the kind of pieces that if a visitor stopped in at the studios, as they In many museums and studios around the world, often did, and had a little cash to spare, she’d from the most renowned centres of art, there will easily be able to leave with one of those little almost always be an attached gift shop. In it you cash crops. Some artists always seemed to will find, postcards by the big names of the arts have cash crops, stashed away, set aside, on – artists long gone and who’s work is no longer available unless its at an auction at one of the leading art auction houses – umbrellas and pens and cups and more. Other than these works of the old masters that you can then take home on a printed cup, most will also have products with work from the current exhibitions – serving as a momento for show goers to take home. Most guests will not be able to purchase any originals, in many cases, there are no originals to be “Cash crops” purchased, unless by the billionaires of this world, but surely even you and I can have the The story of art merchandising in Kenya pleasure of taking home a pen, with a small print of a favourite artist. By Mutheu Mbondo 50nd3k4 70 50nd3k4 70 50nd3k450nd3k4 7171