In the dynamic landscape of art and cultural intellectual property (IP), ARTiSTORY stands out as a pioneering force. From humble beginnings in Singapore back in 2012 to our ascent as a global leader in art and cultural IP licensing, our journey exemplifies the power of innovation and strategic thinking. With a vision to become the top global player in art and museum IP licensing, ARTiSTORY is committed to transforming cultural heritage into contemporary, engaging experiences for audiences worldwide.
ARTiSTORY’s journey into the world of IP began in Singapore, a nation renowned for its resilience and innovation despite limited natural resources. Driven by Singapore's strategic shift towards intellectual property as a growth avenue, I launched my first licensing business, Alfilo Brands, in 2012 and expanded to Shanghai, China the next year, focusing on IP licensing and commercialization. During our earlier days, we worked on a variety of IP properties, ranging from fashion to corporate and Hollywood IP.
The turning point came in 2016 when my company secured an exclusive master license agreement with the British Museum for China, followed by partnerships with the MET, the V&A, the National Gallery, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and others. By 2019, the business had grown to over $35M and nearly 80 full time staff, but all operations were confined to China. This success, coupled with the growing concern over worsening relations between China and the West, sparked the idea for ARTiSTORY. Founded in 2020, ARTiSTORY's mission was to venture beyond China and become a global player in the art and cultural IP landscape.
Today, ARTiSTORY operates at the intersection of art, culture, and commerce. With offices in Singapore, London and Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, the company partners with over 15 global museums to create contemporary designs inspired by their collections. Over 50% of our licensing programs are now conducted with American, British, or European brands and retailers, with products sold in global markets.
Thanks to highly successful licensing programs with prestigious institutions such as the Centre Pompidou and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, ARTiSTORY has been able to continuously expand its IP portfolio. In 2023, we secured a global master license with the British Library, further enriching our offerings. In June 2024, we secured the global rights to Cambridge University Museums and Botanic Garden.
Simultaneously, we have expanded our product categories. Our diverse range now includes items from apparel and homeware to jewelry and location-based entertainment. For instance, the "Mondrian Afternoon Tea" project at the Fairmont Hotel, inspired by Piet Mondrian and facilitated by ARTiSTORY, celebrates the artist's iconic geometric and primary color style. This collaboration was put together by ARTiSTORY Singapore team for the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston infusing modernist art into an immersive dining experience, bringing Mondrian's abstract art into everyday life.
In an era dominated by short videos like TikTok, capturing the attention of modern audiences is crucial. ARTiSTORY rises to this challenge by helping museums and cultural institutions transform their physical collections into unique, engaging products and shopping experiences. By leveraging art and cultural intellectual property, ARTiSTORY creates contemporary designs that are then licensed to brands and retailers. These designs are featured on a diverse range of products, from fashion and home goods to digital collectibles and immersive exhibitions.
Through these innovative solutions, ARTiSTORY not only breathes new life into historical and cultural artifacts but also ensures that they resonate with younger audiences. By making art and culture accessible and appealing in modern, everyday contexts, ARTiSTORY fosters a deeper connection between today's consumers and the rich heritage of our past. This approach not only enhances the visibility and relevance of cultural institutions but also opens up new revenue streams, ensuring their sustainability in a fast-paced digital age.
As the world navigates the post-pandemic era, the cultural sector must proactively engage with global audiences and embrace digital transformation. Virtual galleries and the metaverse represent the next frontier for art and cultural IP, offering new ways to interact with and consume art. ARTiSTORY is at the forefront of this movement, exploring opportunities in the metaverse and digital collectibles to create sustainable revenue streams and enrich the cultural experience.
2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for ARTiSTORY, as we successfully launched a range of exciting licensing projects across various industries such as fashion, home goods, consumer electronics, stationery, gifts, and hospitality. Notable collaborations include partnerships with renowned artist like Frida Kahlo with global fashion brand Tom’s, sportswear brand FILA with Centre Pompidou, and jewelry collections that are inspired by the British Library classic fairytales.
These projects leverage art and cultural intellectual property to create innovative solutions for shopper acquisition and brand enhancement.
