An incredible number of exhibitions, books and essays study the friendly rivalry between Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. They employed truly different styles but their artwork showed parallels in their themes and subjects. Aside from exchanging influence, the two old masters were in the habit of swapping artworks. On a particularly noted autumn day in 1907, Picasso gave Matisse Pitcher, Bowl, and Lemon and received the Portrait of Marguerite in return. Clearly, it's not the first example of trading in the art world but the simple gesture between colleagues has reverberated in nearly every mention of their historical friendship.

Bartering is by tradition, the lifeblood of the creative world. An artist's lifestyle is dependent on the regular trading of goods, services and ideas because it results in a perpetually expanding network of peers, collectors, collaborators, mentors and students. And in the age of social networking, Swapsity makes it possible for local talents to create an online presence for their work and connect with other local professionals and enthusiasts. In turn, the act of bartering forges relationships within those connections, making a virtual microcosm of artists and their patrons supporting each other.

Using artistic currency gives you the power to expand your creative practice, whether that means obtaining new skills, tools or professional services. For the next few weeks, Swapsity is featuring its community of artists; painters, craftsmen, musicians, photographers and many other artists who are offering their artistic skills for barter. To give you an idea, check out some of the current artist listings here.

In the current strained economy - as if you needed reminding of it - an artist's practice often turns into high overhead expenses in the face of a dwindling or conservative market. Alternative purchasing power suddenly becomes a creative and effective coping mechanism. On top of that, bartering offers exposure and accessibility to a wider audience, opening artists up to more mutually beneficial bartering opportunities.

What can artists barter? Nearly anything is fair game for trading and could include artworks, crafts, supplies or equipment in exchange for promotional help; legal services; a therapeutic massage to inspire and stimulate creative flow; gallery, recording or rehearsal space or a writer's expertise to formulate an artist's statement.

Savvy artists are taking advantage of barter to conserve their cash, extend their resources and most importantly live creatively and fruitfully in the spirit of the masters before them. It's no longer necessary to ask what you can afford with your cash but what your bartering talent can afford for you. So get creative, open your mind, dig deep and swap what you've got!