In the article, based on the materials of the Rostov region, main quantitative, spatial, gender and age characteristics are discussed of a Russian regional artistic community; the structure of creative specialties, main trends of development in post-Soviet period; features of formation of the art market of the Russian province. It is established that the Russian reforms of the late XX century have not stopped quantitative growth of the regional art community. Abolition of material privileges for members of the Union of artists have not reduced the number of those willing to join it. Preserved in the post-Soviet period is also structure of the creative specialties of the regional figures of art – the most common remains easel painting and graphics. In regional professional community nowadays more evident is becoming self-enclosure process. It is almost entirely formed from the natives of the Rostov region, who have been education in local education establishments. Among other changes reduction of the gender imbalance is stated. Share of women already exceeds the share of men among artists of the young generation. Emergence in the region of art galleries did not change material condition for the majority of professional artists. They, as before, are unable to earn enough and have to work outside the sphere of art.