In 2012, amidst the rise of smartphones and digital connectivity, I found myself captivated by the transformative potential of iPhones and mobile apps in redefining museum experiences and educational realms. At the age of 25 and armed with a background in art history (which I regarded as a hobby rather than a potential profession), coupled with my fortuitous involvement in a venture capital fund that supported startups, the thought of offering art enthusiasts a novel way to engage with the world’s masterpieces intrigued me. And hip, hip, hooray—who would have known that this humble mobile app would exist for 11 years and still going? I don’t think that anyone in 2012 expected this!
The Idea
DailyArt was born out of a simple yet powerful idea: to make art accessible and enjoyable for everyone daily. The app aimed to break down the barriers that often make art seem intimidating or distant. Each day, the app showcases a single artwork, accompanied by a concise yet informative description that helps users understand the historical, cultural, and artistic context behind the piece. This daily ritual of encountering art has proven an incredibly effective way to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the visual arts.
The Beginnings
How did that happen exactly? I was bored on holiday, one of my first and ultimately the last all-inclusive holidays on the beautiful island of Crete. I was chained there and always sitting by the swimming pool in the hotel. After reading all the books I had with me, my mind wandered toward art history: how shameful it is that even though it is such a fantastic thing, most people in the world have no idea about it because there are always more important things to be taught in schools. And while we have those amazing devices with us all the time (read: smartphones), why not use them to educate ourselves about art history daily? With a background in creating mobile apps for museums, the idea grew to encompass the general public. So, I invested all of my savings (not much) to create the MVP (minimal viable product) of the DailyArt mobile app—its first, embryonic version. With uncertain outcomes, I set it free, driven by little more than the curiosity to observe its journey.
Unveiling Art’s Wonders Daily
I sent some press releases to tech blogs I knew, and then, to my amazement, these blogs began featuring DailyArt! From then on, we never had to worry about the downloads. Not only were we acknowledged by the large media outlets writing about tech and apps, but also, we were an art history app in the App Store and Google Play that was (and still is!) truly unique. The formula of having a small dose of interesting and often fun content, combined with pure beauty and inspiration from the masterpieces, seemed to have worked perfectly and found its niche.
Translations
The app was available only in English for its first five years. Then we decided to ask our users for help translating the app into six languages. Thanks to them, now in the 11th year of our activity, we have c. 800,000 active users every month, and we are translated into 23 languages. And we are preparing more to come!
Making a Difference
What sets DailyArt apart from other art-related apps is its commitment to curating various artworks from varying periods, genres, and artists. Whether it’s a Renaissance masterpiece, a 20th-century sculpture, or an ancient artifact, DailyArt’s carefully selected pieces reflect the rich tapestry of human creativity. This eclectic approach ensures that users are constantly exposed to new styles and aesthetics, broadening their artistic horizons and encouraging them to explore beyond their comfort zones.
New Chapter
In May 2023, we finally released the long-awaited new version of our app. With this release, the app’s content is even more visually appealing and user-friendly, making it accessible to individuals with varying levels of art knowledge. In this new rendition, we maintain our commitment to avoiding overwhelming users with extensive texts or intricate analyses, instead opting for bite-sized doses of art history. DailyArt invites them to engage with art personally and emotionally, fostering a connection that transcends traditional museum visits.
Now
And what now? We want to dig into many things: the Apple TV app and Apple Vision app, as well as venturing our focus beyond Europe and the U.S. It seems there are many more adventures ahead of us and a lot of work to do. Yet, amidst this, a sense of immense pride persists—one that stems from the heart of our activities.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the DailyArt journey has been the sense of community that the app fosters. The DailyArt mobile app stands as a testament to the power of technology in democratizing art appreciation. By delivering daily doses of creativity, history, and culture, DailyArt has succeeded in bringing art out of the confines of museums and galleries and into the palms of users’ hands, enabling them to explore the world’s artistic heritage at their own pace.