ArtSlant.com -The Art World Gets Social

Artslant is an LA-based networking site which zeroes in on the art world. The site skews toward terrestrial events—gallery openings, vernissages, shows and exhibits—which are tidily represented on the L.A-NY calendar. New shows, venues, and openings can be added by registered members who also benefit from all the socializing goods a site could offer. There are podcasts, blogs, slideshows, a rackroom (the back room of an art gallery where artists and art lovers hang), a bio, and connections. Fellow artists and connoisseurs can circulate profile pages, linger on interesting canvas splashes, and read up on the international scene. Artslant is designed with art in mind. It looks more like an e-zine than a network, with its spotlights and reviews. There’s a comprehensive list of venues and alternative mostly in LA and NY, but you’ll find others in there too. Take a look at the Google Maps integration, the feeds and commentary. Art lovers will drool.

“Artslant.com, the inside spot for art buzz and events, launched in Los Angeles in February, 2007. It is a rich and edgy website focused on the contemporary art scene that was designed and developed by three women: Catherine Ruggles, Amber Noland and Georgia Fee. Combining an extensive calendar of exhibitions, openings and events along with a dynamic community experience, artslant aims to bring its own special slant on the art cities of the world.”

Artslant has premium stuff. It’s got all the networking requisites, plus that crucial meatspace correlation. It’s more events based, which means artists et al aren’t merely meeting on wires. Artslant also has established a large base in California and is expanding.

It would be nice to see more customizing tools available for the profiles—it is an art site after all. Video embedding, songs, etc would be a welcome edition. The site is far too local. While LA is home to a budding art scene, there’s a whole world of art out there that Artslant is missing.