ArtTactic

Robert Norton – Verisart

In this week’s episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, Robert Norton, CEO of Verisart

Robert Norton tells us about his new startup that verifies art authenticity through blockchain technology. First, Robert briefly explains blockchain technology and how Verisart plans to utilize it within the art world. Then, Robert walks us through Verisart’s app and how artists, galleries and collectors can use it to confirm ownership and authenticity of an artwork. Also, he explains how Verisart fits into the recent proliferation of the art eCommerce sector. Lastly, Robert shares how people in the art world have reacted thus far regarding embracing the blockchain technology.

Kenneth Schlenker – ArtList

In this week’s episode of the ArtTactic Podcast we chat with Kenneth Schlenker.

Kenneth Schlenker is co-founder and CEO of ArtList, a startup online private art sales website. First, Kenneth tells us how they are effectively utilising Instagram to attract collectors to their site. Then, he explains why he believes a bubble has emerged in the art e-commerce sector of the art market. Also, Kenneth tells us how he feels about ArtList selling artworks by younger, emerging artists. Lastly, Kenneth talks about the challenges ArtList and other art eCommerce sites face if they wish to flourish in the long-term.

David Gryn – Daata Editions

In this week’s edition of the ArtTactic Podcast, we’re joined by David Gryn, founder of Daata Editions, an online platform for the sale of artist commissioned video, sound and web art editions. First, David tells us about the background of Daata Editions and how collectors can consume and enjoy this digital art. Then, he details some of the artists he has worked with thus far and how they responded to working on such a unique concept. Also, David shares why he believes digital art is still not in the mainstream of art collecting and what needs to transpire in order for it to grow in popularity.

Bill Powers & Olivia Smith – Exhibition A

In this week’s episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, Exhibition A’s founder, Bill Powers, and director, Olivia Smith, join us in a three-way podcast to talk about Exhibition A, an online platform that sells exclusive limited editions of artworks by prominent contemporary artists such as Joe Bradley, Nate Lowman, Chris Succo and others. First, Bill talks about his motivation to launch an art eCommerce site that actually works directly with the artists. Then, Olivia walks us through the process, from beginning to end, of getting an artist to create a print exclusively for the site. Also, we ask Bill if he is targeting and attracting a certain type of collector by offering low price points for works by artists who are extremely in demand. Lastly, Olivia shares how Instagram has helped Exhibition A as they have grown and become a more popular site.

Mark Lurie – Lofty

In this week’s episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, Mark Lurie, founder and CEO of Lofty, an online art marketplace, joins us to talk about the company as well as the broader art e-commerce industry. First, Mark explains how Lofty works and why it is focused on the middle of the art market, between $500-$50,000, “the most underserved part of the market”. Then, he tells us why he believes not only is the online art marketplace not crowded, but it is in fact the least crowded ecommerce category on the internet. Lastly, Mark talks about his experiences in raising capital for Lofty and elaborates on how investors view the online art market.

Cristina Olteanu – Lavacow

In this week’s episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, we’re joined by Cristina Olteanu, CEO of Lavacow, the online auction house dedicated to emerging Eastern European art. First, Cristina tells us about Lavacow’s unique online auction experience, in which users create avatars and personalize their participation in the sales. Then, she explains why they have focused on emerging Eastern European art as well as the potential for this sector of the market moving forward. Lastly, Cristina discusses some additional, fascinating features of their platform, including reduced buyer’s premiums as well as shipping artworks directly from the consignor to the buyer.

Christopher Barnekow – Barnebys

In this week’s episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, Christopher Barnekow, founder and CEO of Barnebys, speaks with us about his company, the leading search service for fine arts and antiques auctions. First, Christopher explains how users utilize the auction aggregator site and calling it the Kayak of the art world. Then, he tells us how receptive auction houses were to paying for referal links from Barnebys. Lastly, Christopher talks about how Barnebys has distinguished itself from other auction aggregator sites in the art world.

David Rago – Rago Auctions

In this week’s episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, David Rago, founder and partner of Rago Arts Auction Center, joins us to talk about the new online venture Bidsquare. First, David discusses how and why he and five other regional auction houses came together to conceive a new online auction platform, giving the houses a larger online presence in the developing online art market. Then, he tells us about future plans for Bidsquare to host additional auction houses, stating that already over 100 houses have expressed an interest in participating on the platform. Lastly, David explains why now it is so crucial for regional auction houses to have a strong e-commerce platform.