LYN DI CIERO
Since the Artist’s Chronicle launched Artoble – the art finder App, there has been excitement about its possibilities, together with questions about how it started, how it works and what the costs are to be involved.
Q: How did the App start?
LD: I started thinking about the idea of an art finder App about two years ago. It was very much a utopian concept aiming to assist galleries and artists in increasing sales by bringing more people through their doors. I tried to create the App myself using a couple of different programs. While I failed dismally, it did give me a good idea of the technical aspects behind the making of an App. Eventually, I found someone to work with who could easily handle the technical side so I could concentrate on the look, feel and content of the App. I can say, two years later, producing and publishing an App is not an easy thing to do, so having the App reviewed and finally approved by Apple and Google for inclusion in their App stores was a major moment of success.
Q: Will Artoble – the art finder replace the Artist’s Chronicle?
LD: Definitely not. Both are beneficial to the visual arts in different ways. Anyone who advertises or has an article written about their work in the Artist’s Chronicle becomes part of history. The Artist’s Chronicle is collected by the National Library in Canberra, the State Library of WA and the National Gallery of Australia, and as such is part of Australian and Western Australian history. It means researchers or descendants of artists will be able to access the visual arts of our time far into the future. In comparison, information on the App is fleeting. It is not collected, yet it is an in-the-moment experience suited to our times.
Q: How can you access it?
LD: Download it on your mobile at App stores – it’s free! Then simply enter your details to gain access.
Q: Once accessed, what is on the App?
LD: Exhibitions, art trails, artist talks, learning opportunities, a favourites page and you can add your own listing. There are several features included, such as Add to Calendar, so you never miss that opportunity to discover the diverse range of art on show and real-time directions via Google Maps to help you get there. Registrations for artist talks and opening nights are included where applicable, and the news section keeps users up to date with the latest App notifications as well as the Artist’s Chronicle.
Many cities have static public art trail maps, but through Artoble, for the first time, there is an opportunity for visitors to explore public art trails in real time. The same goes for open studios, making it easy for visitors to get from one venue to another with real-time directions, rather than managing an old-fashioned static map.
Q: How can you add a listing?
LD: The News section includes an Add a Listing tab. The listing forms in this section are designed for both galleries and individual artists, as well as local government and institutions. You don’t need to wait until the last minute to add your listing. Simply choose a start date and your listing will appear for the time you allocate. The Add a Listing section is linked to the App website, so if you feel more comfortable adding a listing on a computer rather than on a mobile phone, head to https://artoble.org/add-a-listing/ If you’d rather we add the listing for you, please contact us.
Q: Is there a cost to book a listing?
LD: There is a small fee for most listings. For example, the Exhibitions section is $40 per month, or save $80 and book a year for $400. For yearly bookings, simply fill out the form and email updates throughout the year.
The Artist Talks and Free Performances sections are free to list. Artist talks are often poorly attended, and we’d like to change that. They are a great introduction to the arts for newcomers and a great way to delve into an artist’s practice.
Public Art Trails are $50 per artwork per year, Open Studios are $20 per venue per month and classes or workshops are just $10 per month.
We’ve intentionally made prices low, so cost isn’t a barrier to being involved and engaging with everything on offer.
Q: What happens when listings finish?
LD: Listings for Exhibitions, as well as the Events section, which includes Artist Talks and Performance, are time sensitive, and will expire automatically on the finish date.
Q: How are payments made?
LD: Payments for listings are via secure credit card transaction, or for local government and institutions, an order number is required.
Q: Who can I speak to if I have questions?
LD: You can contact me at info@artoble.org or art@artistschronicle.com or Sarah Tadier (Engagement & Listings) at sarahtad@artoble.org or phone 1300 445 895.