Lucy Byrne and dot-art
What is your business?
dot-art is a Liverpool based art gallery and consultants, providing a complete service to businesses and individuals looking to buy, rent and commission art from local artists.
Why did you start it?
I moved to Liverpool to study Art History at the University of Liverpool, having always had a passion for art. After graduating, I knew I wanted to work in the art world, but quickly realised that jobs were very scarce. So I began to formulate a plan- to help the huge pool of talented artists I had recognised in the city to gain the exposure and sales they so desperately needed. It took several years of planning and development of the company and the website in my spare time, but in the summer of 2006 I was able to resign from my day job and dot-art Ltd was officially launched.
What did you do before it?
Through university I volunteered in a number of arts organisations, and although I have never had any formal business or enterprise training, after graduating I took a number of courses to learn as much much as I could about setting up a business. I also worked as Assistant Manager in a busy bar, which gave me invaluable practical experience of many aspects of running a small business, from marketing to administration to the management of staff.
What makes you unique?
From our customers point of view, we are able to offer our an unrivalled choice of artwork for home and workplace due to our strong links with nearly 100 local artists, from traditional oil paintings, to modern sculpture, to abstract prints. We are also able to offer a full consultancy service for our corporate clients and work with them to help decide which is the best solution for their needs. This might include commissioning an individual artist to create a bespoke piece, developing a rotating program of rented art work, or sponsoring an artist for an extended period.
We are also the only local arts organisation to only work with Merseyside based artists, and help them to make their talents commercially viable. We currently have 85 member artists, all based in Merseyside, who we support and promote through our wide range of activities. These include; sales through the gallery and e-commerce website, innovative exhibition and promotional activities, art rental schemes, public and corporate exhibitions, commissions, events, and competitions.
We also provide an invaluable support service to our artists, through individual advice on all aspects of the production and promotion of their work, regular social networking evenings and practical help such as discounts on art supplies and framing.
What are your plans to make the most of Capital of Culture?
We will continue to focus on the promotion of Merseyside based artists, and to encourage and stimulate local businesses and individuals to see original art as relevant, accessible and rewarding. We are also promoting our gallery on Castle Street as an unusual and topical venue for events, launches and networking throughout the Capital of Culture year.
Any tips?
Let art into your life!
I am delighted to tell you that this year dot-art is once again taking part in international Thank You Art Day. On Saturday 8th March the dot-art gallery will be opening from 10am-4pm, and offering a fantastic 10% DISCOUNT on all art work! So please take this opportunity to come and visit the gallery and help us celebrate the work of the talented artists of Merseyside.
For map and directions http://www.dot-art.co.uk/pages/contact.php
(Have a look at the dot-art member directory to see 12 images of example of art.)
