A new gTLD for artists and art-related institutions is now live and has over 60 founders as it gets ready to launch its Sunrise period.
The company behind .art is UK Creative Ideas Ltd. (UKCI), an international team based in London and they won the domain at a private auction after it was one of ten applicants.
So far founders include The Art Institute of Chicago, Centre Pompidou, Fondation Cartier, Hauser & Wirth, Institute of Contemporary Art Miami, LACMA, MAXXI, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Walker Art Center, and Tate according to artnet news.
The report also notes that several early adopters have already launched websites, including AES+F, Canesso Gallery, Galerie Meyer, and FITZ & CO.
“Our mission is to preserve the cultural legacy of the global art world,” Ulvi Kasimov, founder of .ART, says in a statement. “We are honoured that so many respected institutions from all over the world share our vision and conviction that .ART will transform the arts community’s relationship with the internet and help protect their brand’s heritage online.”
The Sunrise period for art and cultural entities with trademarks registered in the Trademark Clearinghouse rund from 7 December 2016 to 7 February 2017.
Following this, a Preferred Access Period for arts-related not-for-profits, museums, institutions, galleries, artists and established members of the art world will run from 8 February to 9 May 2017. And then General Availability for anyone with an interest in the arts can register from 10 May.