Artists have always used the art of bartering as an alternative to cold, hard cash (Picasso for one, would exchange sketches for meals at the infamous Chelsea Hotel in New York) so if you're short on cash but long on time then you'll want to get involved with ArtBarter. Organised by curators Lauren Jones and Alix Janta, the public will be given chance to offer their skills or special talent in exchange for a piece of art. And it's not just any art....

...taking place at The Rag Factory in east London where artists Tracey Emin and Gary Hume used to have their studios, you'll be able to barter for works by Tracey Emin, Gary Hume and Abigail Lane to name but a few – but you won't know whose work it is until the very end!

The event is open from 26-29 November and curator Lauren Jones says “We want to make art available to a more diverse crowd, not just people with disposable income. ArtBarter is the perfect setting to make this happen, whilst also providing a fun way to get people involved with the arts.”

So, what are you waiting for? Polish up your skills and get down there!

See www.artbarterlondon.co.uk for more info