In an Unprecedented Partnership, Sotheby’s Is Hosting an Online Sales Platform for Eight Blue-Chip Contemporary Art Galleries

In a venture that proves just how strange the times
are, Sotheby’s is launching a digital marketplace for art
galleries that goes live today.

The lineup of galleries involved in the Sotheby’s Gallery
Network, as the platform is being called, includes Gavin
Brown’s Enterprise, Lehmann Maupin, Jack Shainman Gallery, Luhring
Augustine, Kasmin Gallery, Petzel Gallery, Sperone Westwater, and
Van Doren Waxter.

“The greatest innovations and best partnerships come out of
challenging times,” says Sotheby’s contemporary specialist Saara
Pritchard, who spearheaded the initiative.

While all aspects of the art market have been challenged in
recent weeks, “this is crippling for the galleries,” she says.
“Without organizing exhibitions and no art fairs, they have no way to drive
new visitors. We already have the e-commerce platform and ability
to do sales.”

As part of the deal, galleries will
give Sotheby’s a flat
commission based on sales, and all artworks presented on the
website will be available for purchase exclusively through
Sotheby’s. Galleries will not be precluded from promoting the works
through other means, but all buyers must be referred to the
platform to make purchases.

Works for sale are capped at a
price of $150,000.

“I have a terrific relationship
with Saara Pritchard, who called me in March with an idea,” said
Lehmann Maupin partner Carla Camacho. “I listened, and here we are.
Through Sotheby’s, we see an opportunity to expand our reach and to
bring our artists’ work to clients based all over the
world.”

Camacho said that, with Lehmann Maupin’s global business, a
digital strategy is essential.

“For us, the Sotheby’s Gallery
Network is supplemental,” she says. “It’s a platform on which we
can leverage Sotheby’s deep network and also benefit from their
proven record of online sales.” The gallery will intially present
works by Angel Otero,
Marilyn Minter, and Alex Prager.

Asked about the unusual nature of traditionally competitive
galleries and auction houses getting on the same page, Camacho says
the times have forced a pivot.

“The art world is not isolated.
It is a delicate ecosystem. With COVID-19, we are witness to an
unprecedented moment that demands creative solutions in order for
businesses both small and big to survive. It’s time to experiment,
to let your guard down, to reach out and help others, and to work
together. “

The post In an Unprecedented Partnership, Sotheby’s Is
Hosting an Online Sales Platform for Eight Blue-Chip Contemporary
Art Galleries appeared first on artnet News.