With the current pandemic the art world is suffering under unknown challenges – ban on events, closure of galleries and the postponement / cancellation of art residency programs are just a few examples of how the cultural scene was stopped in their creative flow. New ways and inspiring ideas are needed. These uprising requests are the fuel to push the art world further into the digital world. Digital solutions were certainly expanding before the virus hit the globe – but we can be sure that the new need of online visibility boost the demand for virtual show space.

Explore the (ART) world from home

“Inequalities in digital readiness hamper the ability of large parts of the world to take advantage of technologies that help us cope with the coronavirus pandemic by staying at home,” said UNCTAD’s technology director, Shamika Sirimanne. The UNCTAD published in 2020 the study “Accentuating the Need to Bridge Digital Divides”, analysing how technology is being used as a critical tool in maintaining business and life continuity. The study is confirming that digital platforms are thriving as people are seeking for entertainment, new ways of connecting during the crisis and shopping opportunities. Interactive experiences like Google Arts & Culture, Matterport, Crypto Voxels or art hubs like Rarible, Rare Art, SuperRare and other Crypto Art networks meet the constantly growing demand for the art world and the creative industry. In just a few clicks new artists can be discovered, artworks explored, museums visited or idols supported. 

Matterport – Virtual showroom

Matterport offers the option to capture with a camera (eg mobile phone) a full room and digitized in a few hours into a virtual, free accessible space. This space can be visited over the website and also be embedded to social media sites like facebook, pinterest, instagram and twitter or a company website – the content can even be embedded in GoogleStreet View. Videos, links, high definition pictures and text can be added. A schematic floor plan can also be accessed as well as automatically generated guide video tours. The possible applications for using Matterport are as varied as the different rooms that are existing: Real Estate, 3D Photography, Retail, Travel and Hospitality, Insurance, Homeowners, Restoration, Architecture and of course Art spaces such as associations and galleries use Matterpart as a virtual counterpart. The company offers a free subscription plan where one active room model can be uploaded, edited and shared. If more rooms are needed, the monthly subscription offer variate from 5 active models (8.99 EUR) up to 250 active models (620 EUR). Alternatives to Matterport are Cupix 3D Tour Platform, Zillow 3D Home Tour, VPiX 360 Virtual Reality, EasyPano Virtual Tour Software or EyeSpy360.

Virtual Exhibition @ Miao Art Gallery Berlin

The Miao Art Gallery opened its door in November 2020. Fully optimistic we planned the first exhibition of resident artist Tony San for the first weeks in December. The vernissage and the first week of the exhibition went great, but the access to the exhibition was soon closed down by the german authorities and the new restrictions hitting Berlin before Christmas. As no events or visits could be scheduled anymore, the owner of the Miao took the decision to go digital and present the artworks of Tony San also virtual. Below you can check out the first attempt of the online exhibition hosted by the Miao Art Gallery. 

Do you know other platforms which help artists to present their art? Please share your ideas and experiences about virtual exhibition in the comments with us!