There are several digital art services out there at the moment that offer something for the art lover. From finding shows in your local area, to connecting with galleries and artists, to browsing the collections of major institutions there’s a lot out there. However, for a while the bulk of services on offer have been geared towards acquisition rather than the other side of the collector experience, which is maintaining and monitoring a collection.
Artscapy, positions itself as ‘the end-to-end art investment account’ as co-founder Emilia De Stasio (former ECB and Moody’s Investors Service) puts it;
“There is a new world emerging where art and finance converge, art financing has transformed the way collectors engage with their collections. What was once considered an illiquid asset, locking up significant capital, can now be leveraged to unlock liquidity or acquire new works more efficiently. This shift adds another positive dimension to art’s appeal as a passion investment.
Contemporary art is gaining in popularity among younger, globally interconnected and tech-savvy collectors and investors and that means that the art market also needs to catch up in terms of the benefits and flexibility that it can offer. By applying technology and an analytical framework to unstructured art market data, we are making this asset class more accessible and inviting for a wider audience.”
Is this then a democratisation of wealth in the art world? Probably not, however by allowing a simpler approach to art collecting it’s possible that more people from a variety of backgrounds will be able to take part. For those of us with or without a few pieces in their collection there is also the possibility of a deeper understanding of this new tech-led factor in the art world. Alessandro De Stasio answered our question of what sorts of new players Artscapy might serve.
Can you tell us the story of where and when the idea for the platform came to you?
Alessandro: On June 18, 2020, I was researching information about a piece we were acquiring—a Nara—and had conversations with four or five respected dealers and “advisors.” Frustrated by the conflicting information and wildly varying prices, I stood up from my desk and said to Emilia, “That’s enough! Why do we, as clients of the art industry—buyers of craftsmanship rooted in values like culture and philanthropy—have to endure so many hurdles?”
That moment was the turning point, and the idea for Artscapy was born.
There are a number of apps that aim to connect artists and collectors, how is yours different?
We don’t just link artists with collectors. Nor galleries or dealers with collectors. Nor collectors with each other. Artscapy empowers collectors to grow and manage their portfolios seamlessly through one innovative platform
What’s the main benefit for collectors in using your platform?
First, just to clarify: Artscapy is accessed through a browser on both mobile and laptop—we refer to ourselves as a platform, not an app.
Now, the benefits. Convenience and transparency. Artscapy is currently the only platform in the world that provides seamless access to every service related to wealth and art collecting in just one click. From data analytics and valuation to insurance, trading, and loans, everything you need is integrated in one place.
What are the core collector needs you’ve identified?
Collecting is a multifaceted activity that balances passion and wealth management. It encompasses finding, acquiring, organising, cataloguing, displaying, storing, and maintaining. While every collector has their own perceived pain points, it ultimately boils down to one major issue: time.
I’d say that 100% of collectors relish the thrill of “the find” or “discovery,” but how many truly enjoy everything else on that list? Very few. That’s where we come in—to simplify and streamline the process, so collectors can focus on the parts they love.
Data is mentioned as a main feature. Can you tell us more about what vectors you present to collectors to help manage their collections?
Data forms the backbone of Artscapy’s architecture and infrastructure. While it helps us understand art beyond its cultural relevance, it will never replace it. Instead, data enhances accessibility, unlocking seamless integration with every service we offer at the click of a button.
Our advanced data-gathering and analytics capabilities enable us to price artworks with remarkable accuracy. When we provide valuations, our fair market value reflects what the market will actually pay. Many clients who use this service consign their works to us for sale, and, more often than not, that valuation becomes the final sales price.
Data also allows us to offer an industry-leading Loan-to-Value ratio of up to 75%—a figure virtually unheard of in the market. Additionally, our data partnerships empower insurance underwriters to tailor policies that insure only the actual risk, saving our clients up to 60% compared to typical home insurance rates.
Finally, thanks to our data capabilities, collectors can track the value of their portfolios in real-time without spending thousands on specialized appraisals. This makes managing a collection easier, more efficient, and more cost-effective than ever before.
Authenticity in collections is a key takeaway from the literature around Artscapy. How do you manage that?
Authenticity comes into play when a service involves the artwork as part of a transaction—for example, consignment, insurance, or loans. We implement a rigorous due diligence process, similar to that of a banking institution.
First, we perform full KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) checks on the client. Once cleared, we begin due diligence on the artwork itself. This includes rigorous document verification and a detailed physical inspection.
If the due diligence process doesn’t score 100%, we won’t proceed with the transaction. This ensures we maintain the highest standards of quality and integrity. As a result, we can confidently guarantee that every artwork purchased via Artscapy is authentic.
A lot of apps have a premise of disruption in the art market, which privileges some connections over others. Which connections are less central in your model?
This idea of “disruption” has often been the downfall of many companies. If disrupting an industry were as simple as a top-down exercise, every industry would experience disruption daily.
At Artscapy, we’re not here to disrupt anything. Instead, we approach the market with a straightforward question: how can we make art collecting more accessible?
Our answer lies in streamlining processes, eliminating unnecessary complexities wherever possible, and reducing the costs associated with collecting. It’s about enhancing the experience for collectors, not redefining the industry for the sake of it.
Can you summarise your mission in a single sentence?
Artscapy makes art collecting accessible and simple. From acquisition to return.
Photo’s courtesy of Artscapy
The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. – Aristotle
