Holland America Launching ArtLink Partnership

Kevin Best photography (Holland America)

PRESS RELEASE_Seattle, Wash., April 10, 2018 — In advance of World Art Day, April 15, 2018, Holland America Line announces it is developing a unique and special art experience on board its ships and on shore during cruises. Launching this summer through partner ArtLink, the world’s leading pioneer of the international emerging art scene, the new program will deliver a unique art experience throughout the fleet where guests will have the opportunity to participate in a number of interactive art events; to delve deeper into the cultures they visit by being introduced to a region’s unique art and craftwork; and to take home a genuine memento of their experience. The program will be centered in an on-board gallery space exhibiting works by emerging artists curated from the destinations visited by the ships.
 
During the launch period the galleries will feature works by a select group of emerging international artists. The general collection will gradually be replaced by changing exhibitions curated to reflect the regions of the world as the ships sail the globe. An ever-changing selection of photographs, sculptures, crafts, paintings and drawings will ensure that the collections remain fresh and relevant, revealing stories as they are uniquely portrayed by artists of the destinations visited. The works showcased in ArtLink galleries will be offered exclusively to Holland America Line guests.
 
“As with many aspects of our onboard experience that have been elevated successfully over the past few years, we wanted to enhance the way art was presented on board and reflected throughout the cruises in a way that was meaningful to our guests,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “Through our work with ArtLink on our newbuilds, we connected with a mutual passion to create an innovative art experience that was more integrated with the places we visit. The right piece of art can be not only an incredible souvenir for our guests but also a prominent way for them to connect emotionally with their travels.”
 
An ArtLink Art Concierge and Art Specialists will be on-hand to provide guests with information and background on the works and the artists, as well as lead them through the acquisition process, and guests will be invited to view the pieces at cocktail parties, attend special talks, meet visiting artists and simply enjoy the galleries independently.

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Oleg Oprisco photography (Holland America)

​Future plans with the ArtLink partnership include an onboard residency program where guests will have the opportunity to attend live demonstrations and hands-on workshops with the visiting artists and curators, as well as the development of art-themed EXC Tours (shore excursions) that visit emerging artists in their workshops and galleries ashore.
 
“ArtLink began by partnering with Sotheby’s to change the way people consume art and offer emerging artists opportunities to become successful. Later, we expanded into the hospitality industry with emerging artists from 44 countries. After working extensively in the emerging artist marketplace, this unique partnership with Holland America Line enables us to embark on our next big dream – to enrich the way people around the world experience art,” said Tal Danai, founder and CEO of ArtLink. “Constantly curating destination-related art collections by promising emerging artists and bringing exclusive art, artists and guests together in a uniquely welcoming environment will undoubtedly make the art world accessible to more people – and at the best possible price points.”
 
Select Emerging Artists Featured in New ArtLink Program

ArtLink already has selected some of the first international artists who will be featured on board:
 

• Photographer Oleg Oprisco comes from Western Ukraine. To ensure his idea translates from start to finish, Oprisco often conducts extensive research and crafts the various elements used in his photographs.
• Copenhagen-based photographer Nikolaj Lund began his studies focusing on classical music and then segued into photography. Fusing his two passions, he photographs musicians interacting with their instruments in a quest to create a visual narrative based on the emotional bond between musician and instrument.
• Based in Rhode Island, Kate Blacklock works within the cutting edge realm of 3D art printing, photography and painting. Her 3D ceramic works explore the power of new technology to print clay and reinstate the long tradition of technology explored by art.
• Photographer Kevin Best, originally from New Zealand, reinterprets still life paintings from the Dutch Golden Age using items from that era such as 300-year-old bronze candlesticks, antique silverware, German jugs and "Kraak" porcelain. Referencing many historical paintings, he creates images in 21st-century technology, much like singing a rap piece in ancient Latin.

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