Despite the chaos and long term damage that the spread of Covid-19 has done to the world at both micro and macro levels, this time of crisis has certainly shown us that there is innovation to be explored across many sectors.

The art world has been almost entirely redefined in its wake, and many of the ways in which it has changed, and will change, can only be looked at in a positive light. From the much-necessitated environmental upheaval to the way the art world’s commercial arm will be affected, here are is a round-up of what to expect from the arts and culture in the near future.

1

A global viewing: The written word in international art spaces

The art world has been forced into digitisation amidst the confines of the pandemic without its physical gallery spaces, be they ancient bricks and mortar or contemporary pop-up alternatives. However, the sector’s swift response to the change in both social and welfare climates has opened it up to an even wider audience of virtual visitors from around the world. This indefinitely more diverse demographic will require the expansion of the information offering across each and every gallery and museum with an online presence. Supplementary educational guides and art analysis will need to be accessible to all visitors in a range of different languages.

2

Ecological manufacture of art pieces

Early in 2020 while the Covid-19 crisis was still somewhat nascent, Hans Ulrich Obrist, the Artistic Director of London’s Serpentine Galleries, proposed “a new way of thinking and acting,” adding that “ecology will be at the heart of everything we do.” Galleries will come to expect a certain level of ecological and environmental awareness from the artists they exhibit, and this will trickle down to the conscious decisions of both emerging and established artists.

3

Travel and the arts

The movement of art from fair to fair, from gallery to museum and between private collections is a huge contributor to the art world’s carbon footprint. The travel restrictions we have experienced over the last few months has shone a light on the possibilities of communication without physical presence and experiences or face-to-face conversation. The art world has been directly impacted by these limitations, but should this way of living and doing business take off, we will see a dramatic drop in carbon emissions from commercial travel. 

4

Gallery dinners and industry events

The environmental benefits of the economic lull also extend into events. Gallery events and receptions form a huge part of the luxury calendar, and while these are unable to happen, travel will be both unnecessary and unavailable. When more localised, socially-distanced events are once again authorised, many galleries will be following-suit of the more progressive establishments in serving vegan foods in the name of environmental awareness. Alexander Gray, co-Owner of his eponymous New York gallery with his partner, David Cabrera, believes that, “Compassion is the goal and veganism is the tool to get there.” He and his staff have put environmental sustainability at the heart of their gallery events, and this school of thought will only be exacerbated as the Covid-19 crisis highlights our very human shortcomings. 

5

Artistic commissions for public enjoyment

Historically, artists have been held in high regard as thought-leaders of their time, and have been given platforms upon which to express themselves and their world views, which, more often than not, chime with their contemporary viewers’ politics and social awareness. Artists are playing an increasingly important role in the examination and redevelopment of some of the world’s greatest museums, galleries and collections, evening receiving commissions to reinforce particular social messaging in compelling, often controversial ways. For example, the Minneapolis Institue of Art recently commissioned Postcommodity, an interdisciplinary arts collective, an installation exploring migration to replace a classical Greek sculpture in its collection. Museums and galleries will be more frequently handing over the reins to artists who live and breathe the socio-political concerns of our time, who can create artworks to engender the anxieties, rebellions, joys and hopes of their generations.