NEW YORK, NY.- Artsy announces the launch of new technology designed to enhance the visitor experience at art fairs, including Artsy Columns (freestanding digital screens that map the fair and display up-to-the-minute data about popular artists, galleries, and works) and a personalized mobile iPhone guide for use onsite at the fair. These features will be introduced at The Armory Show 2014, where Artsy returns as the fairs official online partner. They were developed by Artsy designers and engineers to make it easier for everyone to navigate and enjoy art fairs as well as to provide a useful tool for collectors.
Artsy is investing in technology both online and offline to expand how we may find, learn about, and buy artwork on view at leading galleries, art fairs, and museums around the world, with the dual mission to support both education and commerce. Its designs for art fairs is another way in which Artsy offers a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in art, from students to seasoned collectors and arts professionals.
The new features include:
Improved online fair platform. The Armory Show on Artsy--where viewers may explore the fair online, contact galleries with inquiries, and view contextual information and editorial content--features a new scrolling layout and better search capabilities for artists and exhibitors.
Digital display screens. Six freestanding Artsy Columns installed in Piers 92 and 94 will help fair-goers navigate their visit by mapping booth and facility locations and displaying real-time information on popular artists, artworks, and exhibitors.
Personal mobile guide. Onsite at The Armory Show, the Artsy app for iPhone will be your customized guide, mapping the fair and pinpointing your favorite artists, works, and exhibitors. It will suggest related works and information, such as artist bios and price (where available).
What's popular now. The Artsy Columns and iPhone app will highlight the fairs most popular galleries and artists online and on mobile devices at any moment, updated in realtime.
Im very excited that Artsy can step outside of the computer screen to enhance the in-person experience at major art world events, including art fairs, says Carter Cleveland, Founder and CEO of Artsy. With the introduction of Artsy Columns, were adding a new physical dimension to what has so far only been available online. Im also excited that our new iPhone app will give visitors a personal tour of the fair, directing them to the physical locations of their favorite artworks, artists, and galleries via our new mapping functionality. We believe this will make the sometimes overwhelming fair experience easier to navigate and more engaging for everyone, and will drive sales for galleries as collectors can more efficiently locate their favorite works and artists.
Noah Horowitz, Executive Director of The Armory Show, says, While The Armory Show is inspired by a historic moment that took place over 100 years ago, we are also looking ahead to the future of art fairs. We want to be a leader in digital innovation, which is transforming the industry. Our partnership with Artsy has already given us the means to reach a global audience, and the launch of Artsys innovative technology at The Armory Show will enhance the experience of our fair visitors on the ground.
Onsite at The Armory Show visitors may stop by the Artsy booth to meet with an Artsy Specialist, for an in-person demo of The Armory Show online and Artsys new art fair technology, as well as other special collector services.