ArtRabbit, an independent digital art platform, is expanding its mission to democratize art discovery by launching its services in New York, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.
By DANIAL FUAD | Images courtesy of ArtRabbit
Walking into an art gallery can often be an intimidating experience. For the uninitiated, the art world frequently projects an aura of exclusivity exuding a barrier that separates the “insiders” from the general public.
This is the precise barrier that ArtRabbit exists to dismantle. Described as an independent digital art platform, ArtRabbit is on a mission to democratize art discovery. Vivi Kallinikou, the Managing Director of ArtRabbit, articulates this challenge and their solution perfectly:
“We know that for many, walking into an art space can feel like stepping into a members-only club where you don’t know the secret handshake. There’s often an invisible velvet rope that says, ‘This is for people who already get it.’ We’re here to snip that rope.”
Connecting the World: From The App to The Big Apple
To “snip that rope” effectively, ArtRabbit provides a crowd-sourced database of contemporary art events, allowing users to navigate the visual culture landscape easily. This is powered by their user-friendly mobile app, which serves as a personal guide for art lovers to discover events “whenever you have some time to spare”.
While the platform has deep roots in London and Berlin, its reach is becoming increasingly global. ArtRabbit produces weekly newsletters for major cultural hubs including Los Angeles and New York. The inclusion of New York strengthens the platform’s presence in one of the world’s most vital art ecosystems, ensuring that users in the Big Apple can access the same comprehensive, visual lens on culture that users in Europe enjoy
This technology isn’t just about listing dates and times; it is about fostering a genuine community. Kallinikou explains the philosophy behind the platform:
“At its heart, ArtRabbit is really about connection—between people and art, yes, but also between people through art. We’re a platform that helps you discover what’s happening around you in the art world, but we’re also a space where communities can form, flourish, and keep coming back for more. That’s where the real magic happens: in the overlap.”
Energising Southeast Asia
Crucially, this mission of connection has also extended to Southeast Asia. ArtRabbit has officially launched its services in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur late last year, a move designed to “energise the creative communities” in the region.
The choice of these two cities was strategic yet distinct. Singapore boasts a well-established infrastructure with major calendar events like the Biennale, while Kuala Lumpur represents a fascinating growth phase with a “DIY spirit among artists and curators”. However, the expansion was also driven by a very human element—the presence of passionate local team members on the ground.
Kallinikou highlights the organic nature of this regional growth:
“Sometimes growth doesn’t come from a five-year plan—it comes from the right people being in the right place at the right time.”
The Ripple Effect
ArtRabbit’s expansion—whether via its App features or into new territories like Southeast Asia and New York—brings with it a philosophy known as the “ripple effect.” The platform operates on the belief that a thriving art scene does not exist in a vacuum; it supports the local economy and enlivens neighborhoods.
By driving foot traffic to galleries and museums, the App inadvertently supports the cafes, restaurants, and shops next door. Kallinikou elaborates on this symbiotic relationship:
“Art doesn’t just bring people into galleries, it brings them into neighbourhoods. When someone heads out to an exhibition, chances are they’ll grab a coffee beforehand, or a meal after, maybe even pick up a little something from a nearby shop. That’s the ripple effect in action… Everyone wins—especially the neighbourhood itself.”
A Door to Narnia
Ultimately, ArtRabbit strives to be a tool for both the professional and the curious. For artists and galleries, it offers powerful tools to share and promote their programs. For the audience, it changes the fundamental nature of entering an art space.
As the platform continues to grow, bridging the gap between Kuala Lumpur, London, and New York, its core mission remains rooted in accessibility. As Kallinikou summarizes:
“Our approach is rooted in making the experience feel more like opening the door to Narnia than knocking on the gates of an exclusive club.”
Get Involved
You can join the global community by downloading the ArtRabbit app on Google Play and Apple App Store or visiting their website. Listing events is free, as ArtRabbit continues its mission to make art freely accessible to everyone.
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