Art Basel launches new App, the AI-powered digital companion to Art Basel shows
Art Basel announces the release of the new Art Basel App, a comprehensive digital companion designed to enhance visitors’ experience at Art Basel shows and create new and interactive opportunities for art discovery. Launching ahead of the 2024 edition of Art Basel Miami Beach, the new mobile app leverages digital innovation to provide a highly personalized and intuitive experience for first-time and returning visitors, bringing them closer to the artists and artworks on display and allowing them to uncover more of the unparalleled programming in and around the show. For the first time, Art Basel is partnering with Microsoft to offer an advanced suite of AI-powered app features – including the interactive Art Basel Companion and the Art Basel Lens, which marks the first application of Microsoft’s AI computer vision technology in a global art fair context.
Powered by Microsoft Copilot, the Art Basel Companion offers personalized recommendations about where to go and what to see at the show based on user preferences. Visitors will be able to interact with the Companion and obtain information about artists and gallery presentations at the show, cultural events and highlights around the city, as well as hotels and restaurants. The Art Basel Lens uses AI computer vision to allow visitors to scan artworks on view, learn more about the exhibiting gallery and artist in real time, and reshare the artworks with their social networks. The Art Basel Lens feature will launch as a pilot in Art Basel Miami Beach’s Nova and Survey sectors, dedicated to ultra-contemporary and historical presentations, respectively. Other enhanced app functionalities include personalized itinerary-planning and Calendar Synch, enabling visitors to RSVP to Art Basel events within the app and sync them directly to their personal calendars for a more seamless visitor experience, alongside new features for Art Basel VIP guests, who can unlock exclusive partner benefits and offers during the show all within the app environment.
Noah Horowitz, CEO, Art Basel, says: "The new Art Basel App reflects our mission to enhance and enrich the physical fair experience and create new paths for access and discovery, as well as seek out innovative ways to connect exhibitors with a new and engaged audience base. We are thrilled to partner with Microsoft to truly unlock the power of digital innovation to elevate our galleries and their artists and create expanded opportunities for meaningful interactions with art."
Steve Clayton, Vice President, Microsoft, says: "Art Basel and Microsoft share a common vision of empowering the art world through innovation. Our partnership is not just about technology; it’s about unlocking opportunities for deeper connections with artists and galleries – and providing unique insights and discoveries for attendees. We are excited to partner with Art Basel to bring cutting edge AI capabilities that help make their world-class art fairs more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”
The new Art Basel App is now available to download in the Apple app store, supported initially on iOS. Android users can continue using the original version of the App.
