Disrupting the Art World: How NALA is Revolutionizing the Way We Discover and Buy Art
The Traditional Gallery Model
In the world of high-priced art, galleries usually act as gatekeepers. Their selective curation process is a key reason galleries in major cities often feature work from the same batch of artists. This system limits opportunities for emerging artists and leaves great art undiscovered.
Introducing NALA
To disrupt this model, Benjamin Gulak ’22 founded NALA, a digital platform that uses machine learning and data science to offer personalized recommendations to art lovers. By providing a much larger pool of artwork to buyers, NALA is dismantling the exclusive barriers put up by traditional galleries and efficiently connecting creators with collectors.
A Platform for All Artists
NALA takes no commission from artists, instead charging buyers an 11.5% commission on top of the artist’s listed price. Today, more than 20,000 art lovers are using NALA’s platform, and the company has registered over 8,500 artists. Gulak’s goal is for NALA to become the dominant place where art is discovered, bought, and sold online.
From Founder to Student to Founder Again
Gulak’s journey began when he created an electric, one-wheeled motorcycle at the age of 16, which earned him a spot on the popular television show "Shark Tank." He later returned to MIT to complete his degree, switching from mechanical engineering to a combination of computer science, economics, and data science.
The Idea Behind NALA
Gulak’s experience as an artist and his passion for data science led him to create NALA. He realized that online platforms often fail to understand buyer preferences and charge exorbitant fees. Gulak saw an opportunity to create a platform that would connect artists directly with buyers, bypassing the traditional gallery system.
How NALA Works
Artists can list their work on the platform and fill out a questionnaire about their style. The algorithm matches art with its most likely buyer based on style preferences and budget. NALA also handles sales and shipments, providing artists with 100% of their listed price from every sale.
Conclusion
NALA is revolutionizing the art world by providing a platform for all artists, regardless of their location or background. By using machine learning and data science, NALA is making it easier for buyers to discover new artists and for artists to connect with collectors. With its innovative approach, NALA is changing the way we discover and buy art.
FAQs
Q: How does NALA make money?
A: NALA charges buyers an 11.5% commission on top of the artist’s listed price.
Q: How many artists are registered on NALA?
A: Over 8,500 artists are registered on NALA.
Q: How many art lovers are using NALA?
A: More than 20,000 art lovers are using NALA’s platform.
Q: What is NALA’s mission?
A: NALA’s mission is to become the dominant place where art is discovered, bought, and sold online, providing a platform for all artists to connect with collectors.
