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Glite Dictionary
art scene

art scene

7 4.1
A group of people and places involved in making and showing visual art in a place or time
  • noun
  • /ɑrt sin/
translation icon : escena artística
  • The Los Angeles art scene is alive and well—somewhat.
  • contemporary art scene
  • international art scene
  • global art scene

As as you will see, there is clearly a growing interest for these issues in France, including on the fine art scene.

Examples

  • I was hoping you might offer your views on the modern art scene.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • There's a local art scene heavily influenced by Mexican iconography.

    Academic text (2011)

  • Today, the town is better known for its thriving art scene.

    Do Ask, Do Tell: The Linda Campbell Story (2023)

  • Given the contemporary art scene in Africa, it will therefore demand the same critical attention as other forms of visual expression.

    Academic text (2004)

  • Fred knew most of the players in Boston's art scene by now.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • Her opinion helped secure the L.A. artists' position as interesting, if remote, novelties in the contemporary art scene.

    Academic text (2005)

  • Would Tokyo remain the stronghold of the contemporary art scene?

    Academic text (2013)

  • Shengu is also home to a big art scene, tons of restaurants and plenty of surf shops.

  • The city has reinvented itself with a vibrant arts scene, cool outdoor spaces, and unique festivals.

    Blog text (29)

  • Today, the town is better known for its thriving art scene.

Synonyms

cultural scene
vsart scene
1 3.9

Artistic and cultural life and events in a place, like galleries and shows

is focused specifically on visual creativity and appreciation rather than broad community life
artworld
vsart scene
5.3

A community of people and institutions involved in the visual arts

is broader, including local audiences, events, and informal creative activity
artistic sphere
vsart scene
6.2

An area where people create and share art like painting or music

is more about place and shared activities than the professional field
vibrant cultural scene
vsart scene
3.7

A lively place with many arts and events like music and festivals

is calmer and more specific, focusing on visual creation and appreciation

How Prominent

artworld
5.3
art scene
7 4.1

Surface Forms

art scene singular
art scenes plural

Morphology

art + scene

The meaning is directly compositional: 'art' (artistic activity) combined with 'scene' (a community or sphere of activity) yields 'the community/environment of art'. This noun + scene pattern is common in English (e.g., 'music scene') and is readily inferable by a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

The phrase art scene uses scene like a stage or setting where artists meet, show work and talk, and art points to the people and their work. That's why art scene now means the 'community' of artists and art activity in a city or time.