Ways2Raise

What is it?

A Sip and Paint Night is a guided art event where participants follow along with an instructor to create a painting, while enjoying drinks and socialising. It is an incredibly popular format for adults and older teenagers, and it works brilliantly as a fundraising event because the ticket price covers the cost of materials and the experience itself. You don't need to be an artist to host one — you just need to follow a simple YouTube tutorial or hire a local art teacher.

What you need

A venue such as a village hall, school common room, or local café (ask if they will host for free in exchange for bar sales)
Canvases, acrylic paints, and brushes (buy in bulk online — approximately £3–£5 per person)
Easels or table easels (borrow from a local art school or buy cheaply online)
Aprons or old shirts to protect clothing
A projector or large screen to display the painting being demonstrated
Drinks (wine, prosecco, or mocktails) and light snacks

Step-by-step plan

Choose a simple, attractive painting design that everyone can follow. Search YouTube for "easy acrylic painting tutorial" for inspiration. Landscapes, sunsets, and abstract designs work well.

Book a suitable venue. A village hall or school common room is ideal. Aim for a capacity of 20–30 people.

Set your ticket price. £15–£25 per person is standard, including materials and a welcome drink.

Buy your art materials in bulk. Calculate the cost per person and ensure your ticket price covers costs with a good profit margin.

Promote the event 3–4 weeks in advance on social media and in local community groups.

On the day, set up each place with a canvas, paints, brushes, and an apron. Have a welcome drink ready for guests as they arrive.

Lead the painting session step by step, pausing frequently to allow participants to catch up. Keep the atmosphere relaxed and fun.

At the end of the evening, encourage everyone to share their paintings on social media.

How to advertise it

Create a beautiful promotional graphic showing a finished painting and post it on Instagram and Facebook
Post in local community Facebook groups and school parent groups
Ask local art supply shops if they will donate materials in exchange for a mention
Offer a "date night" package for couples at a slight premium
Share photos from the event on social media to promote future events

Realistic earnings

With 25 participants at £20 each, you raise £500. Materials cost approximately £5 per person (£125 total), leaving a profit of £375. Add a raffle on the night and you can easily exceed £400.

Top tips

✅ Choose a painting design that looks impressive but is genuinely achievable for beginners

✅ Have extra canvases available in case anyone makes a mistake and wants to start again

✅ Create a relaxed, fun atmosphere — the social experience is as important as the painting

✅ Offer a "take your painting home" frame for an additional £5 to boost your total

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Choosing a painting design that is too complex for beginners

⚠️ Not buying enough art materials — always buy 20% more than you think you need

⚠️ Forgetting to protect the tables and floor from paint spills

⚠️ Not having enough light in the venue — good lighting is essential for painting