I hope this newsletter finds you and your family healthy and safe. I’m writing to update you on the state of the art world in the midst of COVID-19.
In the aftermath of the cancellation of global art fairs, the postponement of major auctions and the closure of galleries everywhere, the art world is struggling. Except for the well-funded mega-galleries, the majority of art world entities are small businesses or non-profits, many surviving on month-to-month sales or donations.
Virtual viewing – Art Basel Hong Kong (ABHK) was the first major fair to be canceled, and they quickly fast-tracked their development of online viewing rooms – a virtual art fair that lasted for 8 days and attracted 250,000 visitors. After a glitch at the opening, the technology worked fairly well. And even though sales were fewer than usual, collectors were still buying, which was encouraging for everyone.
Today, viewing and buying art online is our only option, and ABHK has provided an example for other fairs and galleries. Art is best seen and experienced in person, of course, but the online experience is an excellent alternative as the world self-isolates, and it provides the opportunity to support both artists and galleries.
How to shop galleries – Countless galleries have launched their own online viewing rooms in the last week alone. So despite closed doors, galleries are all very much open for business. You may even receive a better price as galleries strive to support their artists and stay afloat. In addition, I’m sure they will remember who helped sustain them during this trying time. And while you are working from home – temporarily or potentially more permanently – look around at your walls and imagine what you would like to see!
Innovation is everywhere – Galleries, museums and other arts institutions are also delivering free online exhibitions, live-streamed gallery tours, artist interviews, more robust Instagram accounts, talks and other cyber ventures. All of this has been a wake-up call to enhance their online presence, whether their doors are open or not. And there is now the opportunity and even the necessity to divert resources to innovate and implement in this area.
Support still needed – Museums and arts institutions also need support now more than ever, through donations, shopping in their online stores or even ordering from museum restaurants. You can also be a vital supporter – in addition to boosting your mood and soothing your soul – by simply viewing exhibitions online.
The art world will survive, but it might look very different on the other side of this without our timely assistance.
I am available by email or phone if you’d like suggestions on where to look or if you have any other art-related questions.
Be well!
3/30/20