Innovation That Matters

Deal-a-day site features art from the developing world

Publishing & Media

It’s been only a few weeks since we featured African Cartel and its efforts to gain a wider market for street artists from that continent, but recently we came across something similar. Also aiming to create a broader audience for underappreciated artists in the developing world, Art Sumo is a brand-new site that borrows a page from the deal-a-day model and highlights one select painting each day. Consumers can join the Art Sumo club by simply signing up with an email and password. Then, each day they’ll receive one email featuring a different painting by an unsung artist from the developing world, offered for purchase at special members-only pricing. For its end-of-April launch, for instance, Art Sumo offered up three paintings valued above USD 500 for just USD 249 each on the site. Art Sumo explains: “Art Sumo is the only website that provides you with access to international, handmade paintings at members-only pricing. In addition, paintings purchased on Art Sumo both support and encourage poverty-stricken developing world artists and help them to support their families.” Whether it’s a different single man, a different charity or a different product life story, there’s no denying that the “deal a day” model can be compelling. In this case, it’s refreshing to see it doing some good as well. (Related: Highlighting one emerging band and one fashion brand each weekDaily tips for startups, distilled from books old & new.) Spotted by: Lindsey Engh

Email: naysawn@artsumo.com

Website: www.artsumo.com