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Idea Overview:
o-pencall is a digital platform designed to connect artists with showcases. The platform creates a centralized place where galleries can connect with artists to fill spots in their open calls for art shows.
Who might use it/where it might be used?:
The platform will be utilized by art galleries and other institutions which showcase art, comprising one side of the users on the platform. Artists will comprise the other side.
The Market (B2B, B2C or Both):
Both
Sector the idea belongs to:
Information technology
Is there a similar idea to be found?:
While there exist online directories of open calls to artists, there is no platform on which both parties to an open call can create profiles, post listings, and submit applications.
Why you think there is a demand for your idea?:
Artists are always looking for places where they can showcase their art. Galleries need artists to fill their spaces. The current ecosystem is archaic and there exists significant friction in connecting galleries and artists without prior relationships. Some artists may have styles which fit the art scene better in other cities rather than their local scene. A digital platform which could connect these two parties locally or afar would reduce the friction of the current open call process.
Who would be the ideal customers?:
The ideal customer would be art galleries with smaller reach and low technological advancement. These galleries would benefit from using the platform by gaining access to a database of both local and distant artists, and by listing open calls to artists on a centralized platform without having to invest significantly in technological development solely for their own business.
What ideas do you have to reach these customers?:
Miami is a hub for art. Art Basel and other local events provide significant marketing opportunities. As a content creator myself who posts about art, I have experience in creating social media content which has reached wide audiences. Both in-person networking and social media exposure could provide opportunities to market o-pencall.
How far have you developed this idea?:
I have developed the platform skeleton with a coder and am working on fleshing out the idea. I need to conduct significantly more market research on both the artist and gallery sides to ascertain demand and where the pain points exist on each side to best serve these potential users.
What – if any – feedback have you had for this idea so far?:
The artists have expressed that the barriers to entry in galleries are what have kept them from being able to gain more exposure through this avenue. They have shared that they are unsure where to begin, and that galleries do not seem open to solicitation unless they have posted explicitly about open calls. Research amongst galleries has not yet been conducted.
What supporting material – if any - would you like to add to your proposal?:
I am working with the Launch Pad to develop my idea and determine where I need to strengthen my business model.
2 comments to “o-pencall”
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Simon Krystman - October 20, 2023 at 6:18 pm
2 sided marketplaces are very difficult to get right but if you manage to then they can really pay off. It’s often better to start in a micro-niche to get both sides working e.g. choose a particular niche of art and galleries that focus on the niche.
Nicole Greene - December 7, 2023 at 5:48 pm
Great work on this Tori! Can’t wait to hear how Basel shapes and informs your approach. And congrats on the pitch competition award! =)