Art.sy had previously raised $160,000 in seed funding in February 2010. The site has evolved since it was launched at TechCrunch Disrupt in May 2010 from a search platform where users could search for and share information on fine art. Art.sy is now working on partnerships with high-end art dealers, collectors and galleries to showcase art from up and coming and established artists.
Collectors can also share artwork they like with friends using a Facebook application that publishes a gallery of favorite artworks, and a unique URL shortener that creates short and easily-identifiable links to artwork on Twitter. Art.sy also makes personalized artwork recommendations to collectors based on works they like and trends within their social networks.
Art.sy, whose team also includes art historian David Cleveland and former Christie's executive and Haunch of Venison gallery director Sebastian Cwilich, aims to become a trusted partner to artists and galleries, using the power of social networks and emerging technology platforms to expand the community of fine art collectors. In the coming weeks, Art.sy will announce the members of an advisory and curatorial board comprised of leading art world professionals. Like a traditional art advisor, Art.sy receives a commission when collectors purchase works from artists and galleries on the site.
