The art world was built on exclusivity -- art buyers and artists alike face high barriers to entry through the traditional gallery system. For buyers, this includes unaffordable price points, lack of knowledge around how to find art to buy, and general intimidation.  For artists, this includes lack of networks, a steep learning curve, and a lack of institutional support. Thus, a large section of the population for both buyers and artists have been excluded from art collection and investment. 

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In particular, art by Black artists only comprises 1.2% of art collections in major art institutions. As a result:

 

(1) Buyers have less access to engage with and invest in Black artists, leading to an undervaluation and underrepresentation of Black artists on the global art market; and

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(2) Black artists have struggled to navigate and advance their art careers due to a systemic lack of community, education, and resources. 

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Frustrated by the difficulty presented with trying to find and purchase art by Black artists, founder Tatiana Rice launched the BlkArthouse platform in 2020 to provide a space for collectors looking for Black art and Black artists to thrive. 

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Now, what started as a cohort of six Black artists (pictured above in black and white) has organically grown to over 200 Black artists around the globe.