Web site linking artists with buyers

A lack of online shopping options for art has led one Perth business woman to launch her own web site, which has been described as the only one of its kind in Australia.

Fleur Allen’s creation, Interactive Arts, is an all-encompassing arts site that caters for everyday shoppers who may not have experience in the arts, and artists who do not want to commit to the maintenance of a web site.

“What I’m doing is building relationships with the community of artists and wanting to build a relationship with the community of shoppers and bring the two together,” Ms Allen said.

“I think in the mainstream public, there seems to be this block; as soon as you say ‘art’ in a sentence...many people will hesitate, so I’m keen to overcome that barrier.”

In a bid to overcome that block, Ms Allen has reproduced the work of some artists onto everyday items such as t-shirts, cards and even bibs, so as to provide a level of familiarity for shoppers not experienced in buying art.

“It’s really a business to encourage the sharing of ideas and not popularise art, but just to get it out there into the mainstream a little easier,” she said.

The website was activated in November last year, however Ms Allen, a former Western Australia Opera development officer, has spent the past 18 months compiling a list of artists and musicians to promote.

Individual deals vary from person to person, however artists and musicians wanting to test the waters can sign up for Ms Allen’s services for a year.

“I’ve got them for at least a year and through that I can get them some gigs and events and sell some of their work,” Ms Allen said.

Some of the pieces up for sale include photos, jewellery, and sheet music, while the entertainment offering includes a string quartet.

So far the site promotes 11 artists and musicians, but Ms Allen has set a target of 30, at which point she will devote an entire web page to each talent.

Promotional activities include hanging art work at suitable locations, and Ms Allen said she was currently advertising on a small budget with Google Adwords.

“This year is to really establish it and get it out there, because up until now I feel like I’ve been testing ideas,” Ms Allen said.

“Now I’ve gone into the next level of ‘OK, these things have been successful so let’s continue those and lets develop a few more ideas’.”

The business is wholly owned by Ms Allen and so far one anonymous investor has put forward some money for an art exhibition opening next month.