Though art is not very popular in its pure form as in metropolis cities of the country but craft is a way of living for many in the town. Kanpur is known for its leather products including chapples, country jooties, handbags, harness, jackets, musical instruments, puppets, saddles, sandals, shoes, etc. There are a few art galleries such as Amrit Art Gallery, K. N. Artist and Shyam Hari Singhania Art Gallery. Art and Photo exhibitions are also conducted at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.

Many business men do not invest in art but hire it to impress their foreign business associates and clients. They believe every time a new set of art and artifacts can be hired to enhance aesthetic appeal of business premises.

Urdu Poetry, shayari, is being promoted by rich and famous Kanpurites.