Launching an art startup or curating an online exhibit has never been more accessible, yet the digital tools you choose are critical to establishing credibility, engagement, and sustainability. Whether you’re a painter looking to launch a digital portfolio, a curator assembling collections, or a gallery pioneering virtual exhibits, choosing the right platform can make or break your digital presence. With so many tools available—ranging from specialized art platforms to general website builders—navigating your options can feel overwhelming.
TLDR:
For art startups and online exhibitions, simplicity, elegance, and reliability in digital platforms are key. Squarespace and Wix offer intuitive builders with design flexibility, while Artplacer and Kunstmatrix provide gallery-specific presentation formats. Instagram remains a strong discovery tool, though not a standalone solution. Carefully selecting a platform tailored to your goals will set the foundation for long-term success in the digital art world.
What Makes a Platform Ideal for Art Startups?
Not all platforms are created equal, especially in the world of fine arts. As an art startup or exhibition leader, you’re not simply launching a business—you’re cultivating an audience, telling stories, and showcasing visuals that require thoughtful presentation. When evaluating platforms, consider the following key criteria:
- Aesthetic Flexibility: Clean, customizable designs for proper artwork presentation.
- User Experience: Easy navigation for both creators and visitors.
- Scalability: The ability to grow as your collection and team expand.
- Integrated Tools: E-commerce, SEO, and social media compatibility for broader reach.
1. Squarespace — A Strong Entry Point with Design Credibility
Best for solo artists, galleries, and small studios seeking design-first web presence.
Squarespace is often the first name that appears in discussions about artist websites, and for good reason. Known for its visually striking templates and easy-to-master interface, Squarespace allows creators to build elegant, portfolio-driven websites without writing a single line of code.
Key Features:
- Art-focused templates like “Avenue” and “Wexley” highlight visual content.
- Built-in e-commerce capabilities for selling art directly.
- Responsive design optimized for mobile displays.
- Integrated appointment tools, blogs, and contact forms.
If you’re looking to establish a serious digital presence that reflects professional quality while remaining manageable, Squarespace is one of the top contenders.
2. Wix — A Flexible Canvas with Broad Appeal
Best for artists who want greater customization and freedom.
Wix rivals Squarespace in accessibility but stands apart thanks to its drag-and-drop editor, which allows more granular control. The vast template gallery includes categories like “Fine Art” and “Contemporary Portfolio,” helping you kickstart design with domain expertise built in.
Why Wix Works:
- Extensive customization without advanced technical skills.
- Add-ons via the Wix App Market to improve functionality (mailing lists, checkout systems, social feeds).
- AI-assisted site creation options for those in a hurry.
However, it’s worth noting that too much customization can lead to inconsistent design if not handled carefully. For startups with internal design expertise or strict brand identity, Wix offers unparalleled adaptability.
3. Artplacer — Elevating the Online Viewing Room
Best for curators and galleries seeking virtual exhibit functionality.
Artplacer takes things a step beyond traditional website building. Targeted specifically at those who present, sell, or organize artwork in digital exhibitions, it allows users to create virtual viewing rooms, AR placements for artworks, and even customize lighting and wall colors within online gallery spaces.
Standout Features:
- Preview artworks in real-world environments using Augmented Reality.
- Curate rooms with layout realism: add walls, position frames, control ambience.
- Integrate with your existing site or use their all-in-one solution.
Artplacer leans more toward professional and institutional users, though serious independent artists will find it an enlightening tool to engage collectors and patrons interactively.
4. Kunstmatrix — Virtual Exhibits in 3D
Best for those who want immersive, interactive 3D presentations.
Kunstmatrix emerged as a go-to solution for online gallery exhibitions, especially during the pandemic era. It enables you to build fully immersive 3D exhibition spaces for solo shows, group exhibitions, or special art events—all accessible through any browser.
Key Advantages:
- Realistic room layouts navigable via mouse or touchscreen.
- Tooltip information for every artwork: mediums, artist bios, purchase links.
- Zoom integration for virtual opening events and artist talks.
While it may have a steeper learning curve than Squarespace or Wix, Kunstmatrix delivers a highly professional experience that mimics the feel of walking through a curated space—minus the foot traffic.
5. Instagram — Discovery Channel for Emerging Artists
Best as a supplementary channel for discovery and community building.
Though not a website builder, Instagram functions as a powerful companion tool for promoting exhibits and reaching new audiences. Some artists even manage to run their entire practice off a strong Instagram presence, though this relies heavily on algorithmic exposure and comes with limitations.
Instagram’s Strengths:
- Visual-first platform aligned with artwork presentation.
- Hashtags and geotags for niche targeting.
- Reels, Live, and Carousels enrich content formats.
- Direct links via Stories or Link in Bio tools like Linktree.
While not a standalone solution, consistently maintaining an Instagram profile significantly enhances artist visibility and drives traffic to your primary website or exhibit platform.
6. Big Cartel — For Artists Ready to Sell
Best for artists focused on direct-to-collector sales with minimal friction.
Big Cartel is a lightweight e-commerce tool specifically crafted for creatives and independent makers. If your primary goal is selling prints, merch, or original works without building elaborate viewing experiences, it offers a streamlined pathway.
Why It Works:
- Free and affordable premium pricing tiers.
- No transaction fees on sales (unlike some other platforms).
- Minimalist design lets your work stay front and center.
While not ideal for full-scale curatorial storytelling or multifaceted exhibits, Big Cartel serves as a highly functional storefront for individual creatives.
Honorable Mentions
Other platforms worth consideration depending on your goals and technical skills include:
- WordPress with Elementor: Highly customizable, but requires more technical involvement.
- Shopify: Specialists in e-commerce; ideal for art merchandise and galleries.
- Weebly: A simpler, older alternative suitable for low-budget startups.
Final Thoughts: Match Function to Vision
The “best” platform comes down to not the features alone, but their alignment with your specific artistic vision and goals. Are you focused on e-commerce? Exhibits? Collector engagement? Audience education? Choose a platform—or combination of tools—that supports your highest priority while offering flexibility for future growth.
Digital presence is no longer optional for new artists and curators—it’s central to recognition, interaction, and revenue. With thoughtful planning and the right tools, your online presence can act not merely as a surface-level showcase but as a deeply engaging extension of your creative identity.
Invest the time to set it up right, and you’ll build more than a website—you’ll build a community and movement around your art.