There was significant progress made in 2020 with the advancement of internet access. The trend was towards more online models, but COVID made it possible to make the leap into virtual spaces. The immediate necessity of having access to art quickly accelerated the pace of access. Many organizations have been slow in embracing the idea of online access, whether it was managing their art collections online, exhibiting online or providing online access to their employees.
The switch was flipped during the global pandemic. Or the art industry would die. They needed to provide online collaboration tools for employees. They needed to remain relevant and make it easy for their employees to access their work even when events were cancelled or doors were closed. The future was the only way to live.
Art galleries and museums have had to adapt their strategies to engage with patrons and members during closure. Gallery openings used to involve socializing, admiring artwork, and enjoying a drink. Virtual seems to provide more opportunities for dialogue. Now we are seeing more dialogue between curators, artists and their recordings being shared with the artwork. Artists offer studio tours. Artists are offering studio tours. They talk about their portfolios, inspirations, and processes. This makes their art seem more real.
This is a trend we hope will continue in the future. The origin stories and artist's journey are just as fascinating as the paintings.
Before COVID, cultural organizations used technology to create and distribute their programming. It was secondary to the experience of the program, as an extra-curricular activity. This was when resources were primarily focused on physical exhibits, as well as programs and activities in person.
The baffling incident left no choice for arts institutions. The global lockdown forced creatives and institutions to turn to the internet to access events, education, fundraising and exhibits. This pivot point was the perfect place to discover a silver-shining ray of hope.
Despite low participation, museums have seen an increase in their online audience. According to the Alliance of American Museums (AAM), the Rijksmuseum saw its lowest attendance since 1964. However, it experienced a 23 per cent increase in its social-media followers, and millions of unique visits to its website, including its virtual collection.
Even volunteering went online. Learn how the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum used virtual volunteering to change the information desks and docents.
Art has been made more accessible by the pandemic.
COVID required that the art world break from its traditional frameworks (which were not always inclusive) in order to adapt to the digital age.
Online exhibits and programming were made possible by the advent of virtual programming. Viewers no longer had to be restricted by geography, cost or time. COVID allows art lovers to enjoy live shows from the comfort of their own homes. Augmented reality allows visitors to explore the galleries of the Metropolitan Museum. They don't have to wait in line for childcare. They don't have to get up at work early to catch the train into the city.
Art Basel eventually brought its exclusive art fair online. The site crashed when its Online Viewing Rooms became so popular. OVR was already underway before the outbreak of the pandemic. However, OVR was able to speed up its timeline so that professionals and art collectors could access the gallery and the artworks.
In 2020, global access was the norm. Our backyards were populated by artists. Artists took to the streets to combat the effects of the pandemic, and the resulting tensions in the community. You could see murals all over the place. The public art played a significant role in residents' education and entertainment while they explored their neighborhoods while hiding in. Find out how Cheyenne/Laramie County Public Art displayed their collection for the general public.
Wearing pajamas is a lovely thing, we'll admit.
Online experiences became commonplace in 2020. Virtual connections were made possible by the limitations of face to face interaction. Zoom was used by everyone to share birthdays, take part in yoga classes, and go to meetings.
Winston Art Group's Shanna Hennig states that online video conferencing software has made art shows more accessible. We can now go to artist talks, gallery tours, and art fairs right from our own homes. You don't have to worry about hotel and travel costs for attending an event.
It's unlikely to fully return to live activities. However, the online platform will continue to be used by the art industry to reach a wider audience and offer convenient ways to interact.
In reality, social distance forced us to move closer, practically.
Art galleries and museums have had to adapt their strategies to stay in touch with their members and patrons during the closure. Before COVID, gallery openings might have involved people socializing and enjoying a glass (or more!) of wine while looking at art.
Virtual interaction seems to be more appealing because it offers more possibilities for interaction. Maybe it's because there are fewer distractions. It feels intimidating and large.
We are seeing more conversations between curators, artists and their work being recorded and shared. Artists offer studio tours. Artists are sharing their work and inspiring others. This makes their art more interesting.
This is a great trend that we hope will continue in the future. It's as fascinating to learn about the artist's journey and his origin stories as the art itself.
Social media is the new place to meet.
For a long time, social media has connected communities. It's not unusual for art groups to focus on their online presence after closing doors. They promote their digital content via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. They started conversations by posting videos, streaming live events, and using hashtags like #MuseumFromHome.
Artists are also creative. Insta Live, illustrators share their work. Through hashtags, artists connected with patrons. Makers held flash sales, organized studio tours, and recorded time-lapse videos that showed their process.
"I will be sharing my art each day via Instagram and Facebook throughout the day to help people have more fun with art." -- Lisa McShane, Artist
Muros, an international organization for art activation, was set up to help communities lift themselves through the social media campaign #MakeWithMuros. A total of 30 artists from around the globe created inspiring works and invited people to visit their homes and studios online. It was also possible to purchase art through the hashtag. It was an amazing experience to see people coming together in a spirit of joy, inspiration and eagerness to face the global challenges together. Tricia Binder is co-founder of Muros and president.
Online exhibitions are now the most preferred choice.
All types of organizations needed to quickly pivot and make their exhibits online in order to continue their mission and stay connected. It wasn't just museums that were able online to display their exhibits. All galleries, museums, schools, hospitals, universities, open studios and individuals were able to bring their artworks online.
Virtual reality could not replicate the real-world experience; there was always debate. Virtual reality cannot recreate the depth and ridges of the brush strokes. It is impossible for a person to stand up and examine a miniature of an installation.
COVID made the argument inapplicable. Isn't virtual enough if you don't have access to physical works? Many people are starting to see the value of virtual exhibitions.
You can also share content online without having to adhere to the rules of brick-and-mortar spaces. You can embed videos and post information related to artists.
We had smart people visiting us before the pandemic for online access. They used the Public Profile and embedded websites to curate and display their collections online. This number increased in 2020.
Online sales are increasing and the gallery doors have been closed.
We noticed an increase in online sales before COVID. This was due to technological advancements, greater trust levels in transactions online and democratic platforms such as Aartzy, which allow art lovers to search for artists by price, geography, medium, etc.
Online sales are on the rise because galleries, auction houses, and dealers have to make their work available online. Their website is now their showroom.
Online marketplaces for art are more transparent thanks to the shift to online. Many galleries now display their prices.
Online sales are increasing and attracted first-time buyers to auctions. We witnessed artists create smaller, more affordable works during the financial challenges in 2020.
Art markets can be both transactional and social. If they can return to the event, people are more likely to go to in-person art events. Online auctions have proven to be very effective, and they will continue to prove this. Online sales that cross-categories, such as unique sneakers with jewelry or contemporary art, will continue to be a popular trend at auction houses.
