You’ve heard of Netflix, R-A-C (Rent-A-Center,) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. These companies were successful because they offered people a necessity or a luxury—depending on how you look at it—for a period of time at a reasonable cost. But where do you draw the line between necessity and want?
Hardcore fashionistas who must have the latest designer duds can now rent a classic Louis Vuitton bag at sites like bagborroworsteal.com. Many of you Mary Jane dressers may think that’s a waste of money but the creators of bagborroworsteal.com who have over one million members that each pay between $5 and $10 per month are shaking their heads in disagreement all the way to the bank.
So movies, cars, furniture, and designer clothes are all fair game in the rental category. What about art? Yes, what about showcasing a piece of art in your home from the next Jacob Lawrence (aka the unknown artist in your city) for a couple of months. Curious? Read on to find out more...
Jonathan D. Pierre feels that just because young urban professionals lack the funds to purchase an expensive piece of fine art that should not prevent them from displaying art in their home.
“There are a lot of things in life where you can say well if you can’t afford it you shouldn’t have it but … art is something to me that should and can be appreciated by all. It shouldn’t be exclusive because… everyone can find a piece of art that resonates with them …no matter what your background is,” he said.
With that in mind, Pierre teamed up with Shante Cozier three months ago to launch exchangeartnyc.com. The web site was set up for anyone who creates art to have their work seen, shared, and appreciated. He got the idea after hosting a charity art show with Cozier and meeting artists who didn’t have a venue to display their work once the event ended.
“We’re here for the artist. There are many artists out there that might not have the marketing capabilities or the marketing ‘know-how’ to get their name out there or have the connection to get themselves into galleries or restaurants, “explained Pierre who has a background in public relations.
Acquiring pieces of art from Exchange Art is similar to renting a video even though Pierre does not like the connotation. He likes to think of the site as a community and here’s why. A person can “exchange” a piece of art for a period of time that they determine with Pierre. Then that piece of art is on to its next destination.
“We don’t believe in having the word rent in our lexicon, we really are a community. It’s an atmosphere of sharing in the sense that the art you may be seeing today was in someone else’s house last month is the piece that went in someone’s office three months ago. “
A customer can have up to four pieces of art at the same with the first piece starting between $20.00 and $25.00 and the second, third, and fourth piece increasing by increments of $5.00.
Pierre believes that “a lot of people like art but not everyone is an art buyer. We try to target those people who may not have the income or the desire to commit to an expensive piece of art.”
Currently Exchange Art is only available to people living in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania but Pierre wants to expand. “I would love to reach any and every corner accessible where there are artists that need a medium to exchange, who need a medium to get there work out there and seen by the local community and beyond,” he said.
In time Pierre would also like to have a gallery space in New York City where emerging artists can submit their work and art enthusiasts of any income bracket can purchase fine art.
To learn more about Exchange Art, go to exchangeartnyc.com or contact Jonathan Pierre at Pierre@exchangeartnyc.com.
