While there are a number of e-commerce platforms available to artists, there are very few—if any—that seek to integrate art and community and enable engagement between artists, buyers, art lovers, and critics too. Today, we’re joined by Michael Facchinello, who is the founder and CEO of Altamira, a unique community-oriented marketplace for artists. Prior to Altamira, Michael spent eight years at Clique Studios, a top national design firm headquartered in Chicago. There, he started as a UX designer before transitioning into launching and managing new offices—but he felt compelled to create something meaningful that combined his tech expertise with his love of art. Altamira was born, offering artists the opportunity to gain recognition, sell their work, and become part of a thriving creative community. It allows art fans, commentators, and collectors to discover new artists, bringing them all together in an accessible space, all without the gatekeeping and snobbery often associated with the traditional art ecosystem. In today’s episode, Michael shares his mission to democratize art and help artists make a better living by promoting their work and connecting them with buyers. We also discuss the importance of facilitating interaction, “growing the pie,” and appealing to a broad audience. To find out how Altamira is integrating art, community, and commerce, tune in to our fascinating conversation with its founder, Michael Facchinello.In Today’s Episode:Michael Facchinello discusses…Why he decided to name his platform “Altamira”Altamira’s focus on facilitating community first, then commerceThe challenges of competing on crowded digital art platformsThe benefits of designing for both ends of the spectrum, from art experts to total novicesWhy anyone who is interested in art should be able to participate in the conversationThe need for more business models that empower artists to promote their workHow traditional gallery spaces don’t “grow the pie” for artistsWhy galleries are still an important part of the art ecosystemThe importance of democratizing art, from an individual to a societal levelFor more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/altamira