Art Law Day 2024

On November 11, 2024, the Vienna Hofburg was the venue for the Art Law Day 2024, an event dedicated to current legal and technological developments in the art industry. From 11:00 to 16:00, participants were treated to a varied programme of lectures, panel discussions and innovative pitches, organized by ATTYS partner Saskia Leopold.

Highlights of the program

• Art & Export
  Dr. Eva-Maria Gärtner from the Federal Monuments Office kicked off the event with a presentation on the latest developments at the Federal Monuments Office regarding the export of works of art from Austria to other European and non-European countries. The presentation was highly hands-on due to the discussion of the current documents and the participants were given a look behind the scenes with regard to the processing of export applications.
• Art & Transport
  A panel on art and transportation shed light on the logistical and, above all, insurance-related challenges involved in transporting works of art. Together with Andreas Kratohwil (CFO Kunsttrans Spedition GmbH) and Dr. Petra Eibel (Managing Director VerCon Versicherungsmakler), the renowned transport law expert Maria Zehetbauer from the law firm Walch Zehetbauer Motter discussed the complexity and risks involved in transporting valuable works of art.
• Art & AI
  The second part of the Art Law Day focused in particular on the topic of artificial intelligence in the art world. Alexander Pabst from Schönherr Attorneys presented the legal aspects of AI in the art context and explained various AI models and copyright aspects relating to them.
• In addition, Christian Bauer (Atlans GmbH) presented an innovative AI application for art validation.
• Art & Authentification
  The authentication of artworks and the use of AI in this process was then discussed in a panel of high-caliber experts following this presentation. Experts such as Andrea Jungmann (Sotheby’s), Valentin Kenndler (Contemporary Art Advisors) and Prof. Dr. Max shared their experiences and assessments on this critical topic.
• Art & Fashion
  In her presentation, Saskia Leopold from ATTYS 05 Rechtsanwälte shed light on the interface between art and fashion, an area that is becoming increasingly important and raises exciting and beautiful legal questions

Innovative start-ups in the spotlight

Between the main events, pioneering start-ups from the art sector showcased their work:

• Atopia Space

Atopia Space, represented by Annabell Vacano, develops new concepts for art spaces. The start-up works at the interface of physical and digital exhibition spaces to redefine the presentation and perception of art. Atopia Space offers solutions for virtual galleries, interactive exhibition concepts or innovative spatial designs that expand the boundaries of traditional art spaces.

• ARCUS

ARCUS, presented by Dr. Sascha Worrich and Paula Schöllauf BA, focuses on a digital platform for art trading and brings buyers and sellers together in a simple and targeted manner. ARCUS aims to provide transparency and efficiency in the art trade for potentially inexperienced players.

• Vintage Connaisseur (VintConn GmbH)

Vintage Connaisseur, presented by Victoria Kovacs BA, MA and Christoph Simantke BA, MA, M. Sc., offers a platform for the trade in second-hand designer handbags and a consulting service for collectors and passionate handbag wearers.

These pitches offer an insight into the future of the art industry and show how technology and innovation are changing the market.

The Art Law Day 2024 provided a platform for exchange between lawyers, art experts and technology companies. With its mix of in-depth presentations, practical discussions and innovative ideas, the event offered valuable insights for anyone working in the art industry or interested in the legal and technological aspects of art.

The event concluded with a cozy get-together with Faschingkrapfen, which provided an opportunity for networking and sharing the insights gained.