The art world has exploded. Once confined to a few blocks in Manhattan, it now sprawls across cities worldwide, making it harder than ever to stay informed. The days of handwritten gallery lists are over; today, a growing number of apps aim to be your guide. From established platforms to AI-powered newcomers, here’s a breakdown of five apps that will help you discover art shows, exhibitions, and events, both locally and internationally.
The Established Player: See Saw
For over a decade, See Saw has been the go-to app for art professionals. Covering New York, Berlin, Paris, London, and Los Angeles, it prioritizes curated listings and accessibility. Unlike some competitors, every gallery is fact-checked, ensuring quality over quantity. The app’s founder, Ellen, emphasizes its focus on the moment art leaves the studio and enters private hands—a chance to see works before they reach museums.
However, See Saw operates on a mixed model: galleries pay a quarterly fee for inclusion, raising questions about objectivity. While Ellen insists on maintaining standards, smaller galleries unable to afford the fee may be overlooked. Despite this, See Saw remains reliable for those already familiar with the art scene, offering features like map-based browsing and editor’s picks.
The Data Scientist: Showrunner
Showrunner, launched in May, takes a different approach. Founded by Hannah Deits, who comes from venture capital, the app is driven by AI. It analyzes press releases to identify trending terms—like “surrealism” or the “Black experience”—reflecting what galleries themselves are promoting.
Showrunner also highlights networking opportunities, aiming to integrate newcomers into the art world. Deits draws inspiration from music ticketing apps like Dice, suggesting that the platform is designed to help users navigate the scene strategically. For those who love data and identifying hot spots—like West Chelsea and Tribeca—Showrunner is a powerful tool.
The Ecosystem Fixer: Artwrld
Artwrld seeks to address a fundamental problem in the art world: a lack of connection. Josh Goldblum, the founder, hired Alex Feim, an archivist at David Zwirner, to map and curate content. The result is an app inspired by hiking apps like AllTrails and meditation platforms like Headspace, designed to help users move from virtual exploration to real-world engagement.
Artwrld offers daily exhibitions, openings, and event listings, with plans to introduce a premium model that includes studio visits. The goal is to encourage users to step away from Instagram and immerse themselves in the physical art world.
The Global Network: ArtRabbit
ArtRabbit, a London-based platform, has expanded its New York presence in the past year. It operates as an open submission platform, allowing galleries, museums, and users to upload listings. The app aims to create an international art network, with founder Tom Elsner comparing it to Spotify for visual culture.
ArtRabbit emphasizes real-world experience, arguing that AI can simulate art but not replicate the “aura” of physical engagement. It’s particularly useful for travelers, with a strong presence in cities like London and São Paulo.
The Local Champion: Exhibits in New York
Exhibits in New York stands out by prioritizing local art criticism. Inspired by platforms like Letterboxd and the legacy of publications like 4 Columns, the app aims to keep serious art writing alive. Sarah Hassan, the founder, sees the platform as a space for both newcomers and established critics to engage with the New York art scene.
Unlike other apps that focus on global expansion, Exhibits in New York plans to eventually launch a print publication, doubling down on its commitment to local voices and thoughtful discourse.
The Undisputed King: Instagram
Despite the rise of specialized apps, many art professionals still rely on Instagram. Following influential accounts like those of Margaret Murray, Robin Cembalest, Andrew Russeth, and Augusto Arbizo provides curated insights and personal perspectives on exhibitions and events.
Ultimately, the best approach is to combine these tools. The apps help you get off the couch, but Instagram remains a powerful supplement
