A State-of-the-Art Platform for Art Enthusiasts

Results at a Glance

• A dedicated online exhibition space 
  Launched as an independent online platform with its own URL, the gallery platform has since replaced the fair’s former online catalog and now offers a comprehensive and visually rich overview of exhibited artworks, artists, and galleries.​

• Self-managed exhibitor presence 
  The user-friendly software solution enables galleries around the world to manage and maintain their fair presence independently once they have successfully applied.​

• Curated highlights and expert features 
  Special curator and expert features open up new possibilities for artistic presentation and editorial storytelling.​

Why rising systems?

Following a public tender, rising systems was awarded the contract to develop a digital presentation platform for the fair. ART COLOGNE was convinced by the customer-focused and thoughtful approach of the rising systems team. By consistently adopting the users’ perspective, the consultants created a solution with an excellent user experience. The Düsseldorf-based experts also impressed with their design expertise, delivering a timeless and elegant visual concept.

A State-of-the-Art Platform for Art Enthusiasts

Founded in 1967, ART COLOGNE continues to hold its position as one of the oldest and most important art fairs in the world. When gallerists and art lovers were unable to travel to Cologne during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, ART COLOGNE directors Daniel Hug and Benjamin Agert became acutely aware of the need to catch up in terms of online presentation of contemporary and modern artworks. As part of a federally funded project, the organizers issued a call for tenders for a gallery platform designed to facilitate contact between galleries and potential buyers.

No Stress Before the Deadline

rising systems won the tender. In May 2021, right in the middle of the pandemic standstill, the standalone solution galerieplattform.de went live on time and as planned. Friendly, productive, and positive—whether you ask Benjamin Agert, Daniel Hug, or the rising systems team, everyone agrees that the collaboration chemistry was just right. “Like one big team,” as Peter Ebersbach from rising systems describes the cooperation during workshops where features and initial wireframes were discussed.

Peter Ebersbach summarizes: “We always delivered on time. There was no stress before the deadline.”

Via an interface, data records from the gallery application portal were transferred into the new solution. Exhibitor forms were designed to be highly user-friendly, and the rising systems team had enough flexibility to implement last-minute changes. Another strong indicator of quality: after go-live, support was not required, as there were no technical issues. Visually, the platform also stood out with its elegant, timeless design and generous use of white space, conveying a clear premium feel.

Second Phase: From Standalone to Integrated Platform

While the platform initially fulfilled its purpose, the market did not yet perceive it as a fully-fledged, fair-accompanying digital presence. “Together with the client, we reviewed the solution and identified several development topics,” explains Peter Ebersbach. “There was still room for improvement in the customer experience, and usability for galleries could also be enhanced.” The user experience of the ad-hoc solution was thoroughly analyzed, quickly revealing where improvements were needed. In particular, visitors lacked contextual background information about the displayed artworks, which initially felt somewhat isolated.

The second version of the software also impressed Koelnmesse, under whose umbrella ART COLOGNE is organized. As a result, the platform was fully integrated into the fair’s overall digital presence. Unlike the first version, the platform is now online almost year-round, publicly accessible, and no longer limited to professional audiences. In 2023, more than 400 galleries from around the world applied to participate in Cologne. “With 170 exhibitors from 29 countries, we were represented at the same level and scale as before the pandemic,” says Benjamin Agert.

Online Gallery Replaces the Catalog

Before the pandemic, the fair’s web presence was no longer state of the art. Today, the gallery platform has replaced the former online catalog and is fully integrated into the ART COLOGNE website. It provides detailed information about artists and artworks and introduces participating galleries. The system is easy to maintain, allowing exhibitors to edit their entries effortlessly. Each gallery may upload two artworks per approved artist, preventing an “offer overload.” “Participation in ART COLOGNE involves a rigorous selection process,” explains Daniel Hug. “This ensures the quality of the exhibited art. These high standards should also be reflected on the platform.” To achieve this, rising systems implemented a robust approval workflow: once galleries have been accepted with specific artworks, they receive access to the platform and maintain their content independently.

Up to five images per artwork can be uploaded. These are initially displayed in lower resolution to ensure optimal performance. Only after an external editor and art expert has carefully reviewed each entry and image file are they approved and published online. After the fair in November, exhibitors can continue to edit their artworks and use the platform as an after-sales channel. Unlike a traditional online shop, no direct sales take place via the platform. Instead, interested parties and sellers connect through an integrated chat function to initiate potential transactions.