PRESS RELEASE December 2015
A THRIVING MARKETPLACE FOR CONTEMPORARY FINE ART Re-launch: 1 December 2015 1 December 2015 – MyArtBroker is pleased to announce its relaunch. An introducer service for those who are passionate about contemporary art, MyArtBroker connects people looking to buy and sell art, through an extensive network built over a period of more than 20 years in the industry. Online art sales are on the rise – it is reported that the value of the global online art market has risen from just under $1billion in 2013 to an estimated $2.64 billion in 2015 (Hiscox Online Art Trade Report 2015). Based on this trajectory, taking into account sites such as Auctionata, Paddle8, 1stdibs, Artspace, Artsy, Artuner, and Artfinder, this report estimates the online art business to be worth $6.3 billion in 2019. With more digital platforms to choose from, the need for defining USPs is increasingly critical in the online space. MyArtBroker is a secondary market service aiming to disrupt the status quo platform through low fees, enhanced service and a more transparent process than that available elsewhere in the market. With fees starting from just 12.5%, the cost to buyer and seller is much more competitive that those seen in the auction houses. The aim, therefore, is simple: to offer a reliable, curated platform, accessible to everyone, whether you are looking to buy art or sell your collection. MyArtBroker’s real defining USP is the enhanced service afforded by the integration of its specialist Broker Network. Buyers and sellers who register on the platform are assigned one of its dedicated Art Brokers, who represent them every step of the way – the ‘Broker’ is an advisor and support when it comes to authenticating the artwork, negotiating the sale price, packing and shipping. Based worldwide and headquartered in Mayfair, London, MyArtBroker’s hand-picked specialist Art Brokers operate in blue chip markets, with expertise spanning a broad spectrum of fine art, from Picasso and Matisse through to Warhol, Lichtenstein or Keith Haring and everything in between This expert knowledge, from the catalogue raisonne through to value of works at auction, is the experience MyArtBroker makes accessible to all. It is a dedicated place to sell, as well as a dedicated place to buy – offering access to artwork not available elsewhere, alongside unique and continual support for both parties. In addition to MyArtBroker’s competitive fee structure, the Broker Network allows for a flexibility and personal service not feasible on other platforms. As well as providing a marketplace for buying and selling quality artwork with assurance, MyArtBroker’s ‘Wanted Art’ section allows buyers to create an ‘art wanted’ request, visible to both buyers and sellers – they will be the first person contacted should it become available. In short, if you’re selling art, MyArtBroker can provide the opportunity for your art to get noticed by the right people, marketing it through an industry reputation which is second to none. If you’re looking to buy art, MyArtBroker can connect you to people selling what you’re looking for. MyArtBroker was founded by Ian and Joe Syer in 2010 after recognising the challenges for individuals when buying or selling art online. Many people turn to the web for works of art, but it can be difficult to navigate and difficult to ensure authenticity of the art, the seller or the buyer. TBurnsArts | 18 Bishops Court, 54 Folgate Street, London E1 6UN | 0207 377 5665 | tani@tburnsarts.com
PRESS RELEASE December 2015
“MyArtBroker seemed to form and germinate over some time as a concept. We were becoming increasingly aware of the growing trust in the internet, as well as the stories clients told me first hand about issues they faced when trying to resell art work. We wanted to create a marketplace where buyers and sellers could facilitate transactions, a marketplace that was trusted and which catered to the needs of our audience. With rates and rents making that impossible to do offline, an online platform was not only practical, but also responded to the needs of the market. “There has been a shift in confidence with online buying. At first we had a much younger audience (sub 30) that would trust buying something of value online, whereas now making large purchases online has become the norm and we deal with a significant number of people from a range of ages. There has also been a shift in the average weight of sale we see happen, it’s moved from around £500 to £5000, with people spending anything up to £50,000 without first seeing it in the flesh. I think this is testament to our reputation, the quality of our brokers and the simple fact that we live in a digital age.” Ian Syer, Co-founder and Director
TESTIMONIALS “Working with MyArtBroker as a Broker in their network has been phenomenal! We have done a lot of business together and have complete disclosure and trust with each other. It is a very mutually beneficial relationship and they are one of the first people I contact when I have have a great piece of artwork to sell. Despite an 8 hour difference between us, we always make ourselves available to each other – this is one of the most valued business relationships I have.” Emily Sharbani Hamilton, Founder of Paragon Fine Art (November 2015) “After inheriting a number of paintings I contacted MyArtBroker in the hope of selling them. Lacking in knowledge and sceptical about selling artwork online, MyArtBroker really put my mind at rest, I was recommended a Broker was really helpful which immediately put me at ease. He always negotiates the best prices and keeps me informed every step of the way. I have sold many paintings through by Broker now and I can confidently say that I would, and do, highly recommend the MyArtBroker referral service to everybody.” TB, UK (April 2015) “I have been able to acquire two sculptures through a referral from MyArtBroker in the last 6 months. The client service I have received has been excellent, any queries, emails and calls were answered quickly. Soon after the items arrived, I received courtesy calls from both MyArtBroker and the Broker to ensure I was happy with the sculptures. Both of the sculptures were A+ regards their condition and I would not hesitate to recommend, and return to, MyArtBroker if I were looking to find a piece of art again.” CS, UK (July 2015)
Liz © Andy Warhol
Station Approach © L S Lowry
A Thoughtful Moment © Eve Arnold
TBurnsArts | 18 Bishops Court, 54 Folgate Street, London E1 6UN | 0207 377 5665 | tani@tburnsarts.com
PRESS RELEASE December 2015
MEDIA ENQUIRIES For further information, interviews or images please contact Tani Burns: T: 0207 377 5665 M: 07888 731 419 E: tani@tburnsarts.com W: www.tburnsarts.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/tburnsarts?fref=ts TW: @tburnsarts
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TBurnsArts | 18 Bishops Court, 54 Folgate Street, London E1 6UN | 0207 377 5665 | tani@tburnsarts.com