New Podcast Episode + News on Scandinavia’s Leading Independent Art Platform
The Art Bystander News #4:
Dear friends,
2024 has been a monumental year for The Art Bystander. We’re proud to announce that we’ve solidified our place as Scandinavia’s leading independent art platform—not just in terms of reach, but also as a multifaceted hub for services, insights, and connections that elevate the art world.
This success is a reflection of our commitment to bridging the cultural and commercial sectors of art while staying true to our mission of making art accessible, meaningful, and exciting for all.
The Reach of The Art Bystander
Our community has grown organically and exponentially, with over 116,000 followers on Instagram who rely on us for daily updates, insights, and inspiration. Meanwhile, our podcast, The Art Bystander, has become a trusted voice in the art world, with listeners tuning in to hear engaging conversations with artists, curators, and collectors who are shaping contemporary art.
This growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about impact. Through our platforms, we’re fostering deeper conversations about art and building a community where creativity thrives.
A Platform with a Purpose
At its heart, The Art Bystander is more than a platform—it’s a movement to connect the cultural and commercial dimensions of the art world. Here are the ways we’ve expanded our offerings this year:
Instagram: Our Instagram serves as a dynamic space for art lovers, featuring daily updates on exhibitions, in-depth artist highlights, the latest industry trends, and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights. From showcasing emerging talents to celebrating established masters, our content is designed to inspire, educate, and spark meaningful conversations within the art community.
The Podcast: Our episodes dive deep into the art world’s most pressing topics, featuring luminaries and emerging voices alike. Whether we’re exploring cutting-edge exhibitions, addressing the future of collecting, or uncovering the untold stories behind iconic works, the podcast is a space for inspiration and education. Guests on the show during 2024 have been Sharon Stone, Joel Shapiro, Ugo Rondinone, Simon de Pury, Nicolas Hugo, Björn Wetterling and Camelia Esmaili.
Just released: Episode no26 with Cristina Ljungberg founder of Firestorm Foundation, a non-profit initiative based in Stockholm. They focus on highlighting female and nonbinary artists and fostering a more inclusive art world. The operations involve acquiring works for an iconic collection of artistry.Key figures in modern and contemporary art art part of the Firestorm collection, including groundbreaking artists like: Louise Bonnet, Louise Bourgeois, Arvida Byström, Ann Böttcher, Lena Cronqvist, Cecilia Edefalk, Marie-Louise Ekman, Dame Tracey Emin, Marisol Escobar, Leyla Faye, Edith Hammar, Katrine Helmersson, Sigrid Hjertén, Josefina Holmlund, Tove Jansson, Gittan Jönsson, Barbara Kruger, Lotte Laserstein, Martina Müntzing, Cindy Sherman, Monica Sjöö, Ylva Snöfrid, Paloma Varga Weisz, Ambera Wellmann, Ulla Wiggen, Kennedy Yanko, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Hilma af Klint, and Barbro Östlihn. With this as a base, collaborative efforts around research, publications, exhibitions, and artist conversations are established, with institutions such as Moderna Museet, Guggenheim, the Swedish Institute in Paris, and the Stockholm School of Economics.
Consulting: Beyond individual services, we’ve partnered with leading cultural institutions to craft marketing and business development strategies that merge innovation and tradition. From consulting with museums to collaborating with galleries, we’re shaping the future of art in Scandinavia and beyond. We are particularly strong on supporting with digital communications, including social media management and longer term growth strategies.
Art Advisory Services: Our bespoke advisory services have helped private collectors navigate the art market. From building collections to providing insights on trends, we’ve positioned ourselves as trusted guides in the journey of art ownership and appreciation. We have also been moderating talks throughout the year, for example at CHART art fair in Copenhagen.
Commentary: We regularly comment on the art world in articles, blog posts and curated trend research papers.
I recently read an article in The Arts Newspaper about artist Josh Kline’s criticism of social media and just felt I had to do a personal commentary. Josh Kline’s exhibition Social Media critiques online platforms, portraying them as harbingers of artistic commodification, reduced quality, and the erasure of privacy. While these concerns reflect valid challenges, I would argue that social media, when viewed through a different lens, has been a profoundly positive force for the art world, democratizing access, amplifying voices, and fostering new creative forms. Here's a personal commentary on the above article: In Defense of Social Media as a Force for Good in Art.
A Vision for the Future
As we prepare for 2025, we’re setting even more ambitious goals:
Curated Exhibitions: Early 2025, we’re launching 'The Art Bystander Presents' our curated art dealership, a pop-up initiative in collaboration with leading international galleries and advisors, designed to showcase emerging and established talents while offering collectors unique and thoughtfully curated works. This venture reflects our dedication to creating opportunities for artists and collectors to connect in meaningful ways. Stay tuned for more info coming soon!
Introducing new content formats, including video series and live discussions, to bring our audience even closer to the art world.
Deepening our collaborations with cultural institutions to foster diversity and innovation across the sector.
This vision is rooted in a single idea: that art has the power to connect, inspire, and transform. Through The Art Bystander, we aim to make that power accessible to everyone.
A Heartfelt Thank You
None of this would have been possible without you. Whether you’ve listened to our podcast, attended an event, sought our advisory services, or engaged with us on social media, you’re an integral part of this journey. Your passion for art fuels everything we do, and we’re excited to continue growing with you in the years ahead.
Thank you for being part of this incredible community. Here’s to celebrating art, connection, and creativity—together.
Warm regards,
Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar
Founder, The Art Bystander
