MADISON, WI, March 20, 2019 – CODAworx, the hub of the commissioned art economy, announced today that it will produce… Read More

The art and technology worlds can often feel locked in competition, each prizing what the other inadvertently seeks to curtail: the art world eager to preserve and appreciate natural beauty, and the technology world determined to seek enlightenment and advancement. But they needn’t be at odds – and the inaugural CODAsummit held across September 20 and 21 at the Center For Contemporary Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico proved beyond any doubt that technology can be used to explore and discuss environmental issues.

Earlier this month Las Vegas saw the grand opening of the world’s largest marijuana dispensary. Not only a destination for cannabis shoppers, this marijuana dispensary, in Las Vegas fashion, is an attraction in itself. The Planet 13 Las Vegas Cannabis Superstore and Entertainment Complex is an interactive art experience from projection mapping, to an aerial orb show, to an interactive LED floor that lights up as soon as guests walk in.

CODAworx is a collective on a mission to push the art commissioning world ahead. It understands the great beauty of this increasingly-interconnected world: that overlapping industries can converge and connect to cooperate and celebrate their mutual interests. It was in aid of this mission that the CODAworx team organized the inaugural CODAsummit on September 21, describing it as “The Intersection of Art, Technology and Place” — and all those involved are in agreement that it was a massive success.

Although it’s certainly a creative and fulfilling outlet, at the end of the day, art is how many artists make their living. Which means that money has to play a role. And it’s the same for art consultants! This is their business, and they have to make a profit in order to sustain themselves. At this point, you may be wondering how the business side of art consulting could possibly impact you. As long as they’re willing to pay your rates, it shouldn’t really matter about the rest of their business operations, right? While that’s true to an extent, the fact is that here—as with any profession—knowledge is power. The more you know about the business of art consulting, the more you can use that knowledge to grow your own business as an artist.

Six weeks ago in the art-conscious town of Santa Fe, NM, a somewhat eclectic group of technologists, architects, city planners, fabricators and artists of all persuasions got together to talk about the future of art and how it can transform public settings. Given that southwest city’s affinity for all things creative, perhaps that’s not surprising – except the gathering of about 170 people from around the world revolved around CODAworx, a young Madison company. Co-founded by serial entrepreneur Toni Sikes, CODAworx is becoming the Amazon of the commissioned art economy. By connecting artists and designers with opportunities that range from private building projects to public works of art to specialty commissions, CODAworx is matching talent and utilizing technology to streamline an often-complicated mating dance. “I really think this is the most important thing I have ever done in my life,” said Sikes, who built other arts and publication companies in the past. “There has always been commissioned art, but there wasn’t an organized, tech-based way of bringing together the supply with those who had the demand. We’re the hub, the connectors, for all types of people within the industry.”

Madison is far from the capital of the art world. But right here in the capital of Wisconsin is the only company of its kind connecting artists to commissioners of art and to the fabricators and installers needed to bring their masterpieces to light. CODAworx has been around for only five years yet has gained recognition among artists all over the world and will likely expand to serve international clients next year, says founder and CEO Toni Sikes. CODA stands for Collaboration of Design + Art and CODAworx provides a website where artists can browse requests from architects, cities, companies and others looking to commission artwork. Artists, architects and installers can also showcase their past works and make connections to get their next commission. This synergy drives CODAworx’s success. “We made a statement from the beginning that in order to create these big projects it requires an ecosystem,” Sikes says.

Second of a 3-part series on the business of art consulting by Peter Hite. In the first article of this series, we covered the basics of art consultants: who they are, why they matter to you as an artist, and how you can find compatible consulting firms. Remember that a single well-matched art consulting relationship will be much more fruitful than a dozen poorly matched ones—so don’t be afraid to spend time researching before you take any next steps. Once you have put in the effort and identified several consultants who seem like a good fit, you, of course, have to actually reach out to them. The commissions won’t come to you unless the consultants respond to your emails or find you on CODAworx. And that’s what we’ll be exploring today: how art consultants prefer to be contacted and how to make a memorable first (or second…or third…) impression.

She stands with one pair of arms outstretched, while a second pair arch gracefully behind her. She gathers up the streams of water flowing from the hem of her gown -- or do they actually flow from her body? “Arria,’’ the colossal statue created for Cumbernauld, Scotland by sculptor Andy Scott, beautifully exemplifies this artist’s life-long commitment to the classical tradition of sculpture and to giving modern communities a taste of what their ancestors often took for granted: an awe-inspiring public statue that is also a comforting visual anchor in the landscape.

The curve and sweep of Joe Gitterman’s sculptures reflect a lifelong fascination with the physical dynamics and emotional impact of dance. “I have always been passionate about dance performance. As an audience member, I am intrigued by the constant change of shapes and the seemingly endless variety of forms. My passion is trying to turn a fluid motion into a three-dimensional item.”