Art511

Virtual Vernissage Bridges Social Distance

While it is said that necessity is the mother of invention, it’s not always such a clear cause and effect relationship, but rather, inexplicably good timing that launches a new platform exactly when it is most needed. ArtPot, arriving at the critical moment to support vitality in the contemporary art market through the coronavirus lockdown, is a perfect example. The tech startup launched  in NYC early in 2020, shortly before everything changed, and Artpot saw its mission to connect the art community, galleries, nonprofit art organizations, art investors, and art lovers via the internet shift from an interesting and innovative alternative to the ONLY type of option available since March.

Artpot mobile app screens series 1. Photo courtesy of Artpot.

According to Founder and CEO King Li, a tech wizard and lifelong art lover, and Giovanna Sun, the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer coming to the project from a curatorial background, supporting local galleries and artists was always at the core of their vision for the app.

As an artist struggles to find additional conduits to showcase their work, oftentimes they do not have enough exposure, limiting their interaction and engagement with collectors,” said Li.  “Our mission is to create a platform that connects the artists and collectors, bring them more relevance personally and creatively… Art collectors can engage with artists directly using our built-in social features, in-app chat, feeds, and social sharing. “

Now more than ever, with the “stop in and chat” culture of gallery openings on hold and possibly subject to new guidelines when things resume, innovations that extend the entire personal experience of mixing in the art community without actual physical contact are in high demand, and must be truly inspired and efficient if businesses and creators are to continue their work.

ArtPot was ready with solutions to these challenges to exhibitions even before they arose! Local art aficionados can now visit galleries without leaving their homes, and collectors can make purchases directly in the virtual gallery as if they were at the real gallery.  Users of the app can access a virtual walk-through of an actual gallery, created using photographs of the location transformed into a 3-D, time based experience, which Seph Rodney in Hyperallergic described as “among the most satisfying experiences of the virtual gallery.”

Artpot’s King Li VR camera_capture. Photo courtesy of Artpot.

Any questions? They have that covered too — a touch of the screen accesses in-depth information about what you are seeing, as if you were reading about it on location. And if you still miss the personal touch, there is also the option of adding a video layer to the description. For full interactivity, ArtPot even provides live video conferencing.  All you need is your mobile phone…and a glass of wine!

Another valuable feature of the ArtPot experience is the creative use of augmented reality. The app is set up to allow collectors to preview the work in the space for which it is intended. Original art is a major purchase, and seeing the art in the environment it is meant to enhance adds a level of security, and a bit of  fun, to selecting that special piece or pieces.

Artpot app IPCNY VR Tour. Photo courtesy of Artpot.

Of course, it’s not all about the technology, fine art marketing is also about understanding art itself and being able to bring the right people to the table. Especially for artists, it’s the most important factor in deciding where to present one’s work. “We’re curators, with experience in art exhibitions in Asia and New York, “ said King Li.  “With our extensive list of art collectors and investors, we can organize private and virtual events for them to connect with the artists and galleries on ArtPot.” This past season, ArtPot has partnered with the High Line Open Studios, International Women’s Artist Salon, and the Taiwanese American Artists Council.

Currently in the curatorial phase is  the Artpot X Artzdeal Contemporary Photo and Video Salon. “We’re thrilled to announce we’re partnering with Artzdeal in Taipei,” said Giovanna Sun, “We are one of the curators of the show.” The photo salon takes place at Xinyi District, the finance and entertainment district in the heart of Taipei city, and will feature both on-site and in-app exhibitions, from August 15-18, 2020. (more at 

https://www.artzdeal.com/assets/eventpage_2020CPVS.html

Community is the foundation of any economy as well as an indispensable part of how we live. Lately both these functions have been put through an extreme test as the world tries to mitigate the effects of the current pandemic, but people need connection now more than ever! Even in these times of social distance, ArtPot makes that connection stronger and expands its reach and versatility while branching into related projects, attractions and organizations in the districts. Certainly a welcome addition to the business of art in these uncertain times.

To support non-profits during this crisis, ArtPot currently offers them free affiliate membership through December, 2020. To learn more visit https://www.artpot.net/pages/nonprofit-art-sponsorship-program can find more information about all of ArtPot’s services, including the “demo” virtual reality tour of the International Print Center New York, at www.artpot.net

Spirit del Art Gallery virtual gallery tour by www.artpot.net. Photo courtesy of Artpot.
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