Art - Kivo Daily

Copyright violations catch up to Midjourney AI as lawsuit looms

Brandon Foster on January 19, 2023

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Copyright: Intellectual property rights are legal rights that protect creative works and inventions.

These rights include patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.

Patents protect inventions and discoveries.

Copyrights protect creative works such as literature, music, and art.

Trademarks protect brand names and logos, and trade secrets protect confidential business information.

These rights give creators and inventors control over how their work is used and can prevent others from using it without permission.

Midjourney AI has ignored these intellectual rights, despite their importance, leading to a new lawsuit.

The news

A group of artists has filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

They are charging DeviantArt, Midjourney, and Stability AI for alleged infringement of artists’ copyright in the creation of AI art.

Joseph Saveri Law Firm LLP, Matthew Butterick, and Lockridge, Grindal, Nauen PLLP represent the artists.

“As burgeoning technology continues to change every aspect of the modern world, it’s critical that we recognize and protect the rights of artists against unlawful theft and fraud,” said Joseph Saveri.

“This case represents a larger fight for preserving ownership rights for all artists and other creators.”

The lawsuit

According to the lawsuit, all involved artists seek compensation for the damages DeviantArt, Midjourney, and Stability AI caused.

The goal of the lawsuit is to prevent future harm.

Matthew Butterick wrote a post about the case, saying that the three companies are targeted by writers, artists, programmers, and other creators.

Most of the plaintiffs are concerned about using AI systems to be trained on a plethora of copyrighted work without consent, credit, and compensation.

The lawsuit not only seeks damages for violations but also seeks an injunction to avoid future problems.

Artist Karla Ortiz shared his excitement about the lawsuit on Twitter, saying:

“I am proud to be one of the plaintiffs for this class action suit. I am proud to do this with fellow peers, that we’ll give a voice to potentially thousands of affected artists.”

“I’m proud that now we fight for our rights not just in the public sphere but in the courts.”

The connection between the companies

While DeviantArt, Midjourney, and Stability AI are different companies, they all use Stable Diffusion.

Stable Diffusion is an AI product based on the billion images in the LAION-5B dataset.

According to the lawsuit, it was created with the involvement of billions of copyrighted images.

It also alleges that the images lead to the following:

Direct copyright infringement
Vicarious copyright infringement related to forgeries
Violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act
Violation of class members’ rights to publicity
Breach of contract pertaining to the DeviantArt Terms of Service

Importance of copyright in art

Intellectual property rights, particularly copyright, are crucial for visual artists who create paintings and digital illustrations.

Copyright gives the artist exclusive rights to control how their works are used, which includes the right to reproduce, distribute, display, and create derivative works.

This means that others cannot use the artist’s work without their permission, including reproducing it, selling copies of it, or using it in other works without the artist’s consent.

These rights are essential for visual artists as they allow them to protect and monetize their work.

Without copyright, others could quickly reproduce and sell copies of an artist’s work without providing any compensation to the artist.

This would make it difficult for visual artists to make a living from their work.

They can choose to license their work for specific uses, such as for commercial use in advertising or film, and can set terms for how the work is used.

This allows artists to ensure that their work is used in a way that aligns with their vision and values.

In the digital age, copyrights are even more important for visual artists working with digital illustrations and paintings.

With the ease of reproducing and distributing digital files, it’s even more critical for visual artists to control how their work is used, distributed and monetized.

In summary, intellectual property rights, particularly copyright, are essential for visual artists as they allow them to protect and monetize their work and control how it is used.

It is essential for artists to make a living from their work and ensure that it is used in a way that aligns with their vision and values.

References:

DeviantArt, Midjourney face lawsuit for using ‘billions of copyrighted’ images in AI art

‘AI art’ companies & DeviantArt are being sued by artists

Viviana Puello: Meet the Art and Business Magnate Successfully Building Her Legacy in Multiple Industries

Jerry Cooper on March 8, 2021

Milestone after milestone, Viviana Puello has dominated the art and entrepreneurial arenas for several years now. Today, the award-winning artist proudly celebrates the 10th anniversary of her revolutionary multimedia platform, ArtTour International. But aside from her industry-leading platform, Viviana never fails to grab all other opportunities to create limitless possibilities for people in the artistic arena.

Viviana Puello-Grimandi is a renowned award-winning artist, entrepreneur, art business expert, coach, and writer. She is the visionary founder and CEO of ArtTour International, the leading multimedia platform dedicated to promoting artists worldwide. As a marketing maven, she has helped hundreds of talented artists transition from their nine to give lifestyle to become full-time art entrepreneurs. She also leads a workshop called “Debunking the Myth of Starving Artist,” where she helps aspiring artists in marketing their artwork, establishing a successful art business, and the importance of keeping an inspiration-based career.

On top of her business endeavors, she is also the host of the ArtTour International television series, where she travels to more than 50 cities across the globe to support artists and help emerging art organizations. She also founded “Artists for a Green Planet” and “Create4peace,” which provide a voice for artist-activists. Moreover, Viviana Puello also established Vivid Arts Network, an international art event platform offering artists the opportunity to expand their artistic reach by exploring the art scenes in different parts of the world.

Through the years, Viviana Puello has received a plethora of awards and accolades, including the First time Director and Top Documentary Awards for “Kintsugi: The Line of Destiny,” a striking film that compels the audience to pursue an environment-conscious lifestyle. Her success as an art entrepreneur also landed her in the Top 10 Female Entrepreneurs in 2020 by New York Weekly.

Today, Viviana Puello proudly celebrates the 10th year of ArtTour International with the launch of a special issue. The cover features the founder and Editor-in-Chief sitting on a set of her creations. The attention-grabbing image depicts a scene that genuinely reveals ArtTour International’s journey in the last ten years. Everything was chosen to share the extraordinary journey ArtTour International, and her creators have traveled throughout the last decade to share this anniversary issue with you. “Everything you see on the cover has meaning and is part of the deep spiritual journey of life,” she shares.

To welcome 2021, Viviana Puello launched her new podcast, The Winner’s Journey, just last January. Inspired by the celebrities, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and award-winning professionals she has crossed paths with, she decided to launch her podcast as an avenue to share these successful individuals’ journeys, challenges, strategies, and secrets to success. In line with this, she, along with 25 other empowered women, co-authored the Amazon best-seller book entitled “You Were Made to be Unstoppable,” which connects readers to women who have endured life battles as they struggle to take their power back and live their purpose in the world.

Indeed, Viviana Puello has a never-ending list of proactive endeavors in different industries. But in all these undertakings, her vision remains the same, and that is to provide a voice to the voiceless and a platform where talented artists are inspired and empowered.

Learn more about Viviana Puello by visiting her official website, the ArtTour International Website, or follow her on social media, @vivianapuelloart.

Esoteric Collection: Greatness in the Name of Art

Jerry Cooper on November 17, 2020

For Esoteric Collection, the essence and value of art are not just bound to galleries and museums — the world deserves to witness its grace. By connecting larger audiences through wide media outreach, it is the mission of Esoteric Collection to develop and assist artists in boosting their careers in the creatives industry.

Founded by Aaron Von Ossko, the brand is a firm believer in the “anti-gallery concept.” By bridging the gap between creatives and art enthusiasts, the Esoteric Collection furthers the reach of art for artists to create. Aaron tore down the boundaries through the curated body of art with collaborations from the East and West Coast artists. With over 100 works made by various aspiring artists, the brand united and strengthened the art community.

2015 was an impeccable year for Esoteric Collection. Ossko inked a deal with Los Angeles PR agency, MUSE Publishing, to co-produce editorial content for global and commercial magazines and outlets. Through their joint collaboration, the brands have risen to prominence in the industry. Maxim, FHM, Playboy, GQ, and Sports Illustrated are just some of the companies that they have worked with. Moreover, they have also been featured in Art Basel and LA Art Show, two renowned art fairs in the community.

His troubling past was a driving force for Ossko to realize and fulfill the dreams of artists. Growing up in a hostile environment, the philanthropist suffered the horrors of terrible parenting. Living in a home with an abusive father, Ossko learned to escape the physical, verbal, and mental abuse through sketching. The California-based art enthusiast was forced by his father to have a different hustle. However, everything changed for Ossko when he exited his father’s car franchise chain to pursue the passion he always had — artistry. His past conquests may have brought him pain, but now he chooses to invest and support artists from grassroots levels like Baltimore-painter Purnell Gray.

“I definitely think that there could be more support. I think some of the upper echelon galleries and art fairs should be and could be doing more when it comes to paying it forward,” the art connoisseur said.

After tweaking some parameters, Ossko discovered the perfect balance for businesses and creatives of the Esoteric Collection. He stressed the importance of giving artists credit and fairness. “Without being able to make money in the art business, you can’t help or give any artists a platform such as a gallery or an art fair to showcase their work, so you have to find the balance,” he claimed.

Ossko and the Esoteric Collection is also deeply engaged in partaking in philanthropic works. The collection played an instrumental role with Nike for the Boys and Girls Club in the city of Watts. Recruiting contemporary artists Spencer “Mar” and SEK, the project was a terrific success after hours of working with Nike’s volunteers. Ossko said that seeing the smiles on children’s faces was a proud moment for them. Recently, Ossko also worked with Philipp Plein.

Ossko also commented on the importance of social media platforms in the art community. In this day and age, harnessing and understanding the dynamics of media could prove beneficial for artists. Platforms like Instagram enable artists to show their passion to the world. Additionally, the seasoned art collector’s experience from his father’s franchise was put to good use as he applied the marketing experience in flourishing the Esoteric Collection.

Head to the Esoteric Collection’s website to learn more about the brand.

Dream Face Art: Creating Impact with Art and Creativity

Jerry Cooper on November 12, 2020

To the Costas family, Dream Face Art is more than just a family business. It’s their way of leaving a mark in people’s hearts and minds. Their way of doing so is by creating and delivering memorable experiences at various events through art and entertainment.

The art and entertainment company is the direct result of the hard work, dedication, and creativity of Dubeysha and her husband and their daughter, Alexia. The company started over a decade ago when Dubeysha and Alexia were browsing the internet for art classes they could attend. While doing their homework, the mother and daughter discovered the inspiring world of face and body painting.

Motivated to pursue art as a profession, Alexia and Dubeysha would find themselves traveling to Orlando to attend the Face and Body Art International Convention. It was there that they would solidify the vision for Dream Face Art, a company that shares joy and inspiration to families, groups, companies, and communities through art and entertainment. Later on, Alexia’s father would join the company as one of the core performers, delivering balloon-twisting performances that would wow audiences of various ages. The trio would start serving multiple events, parties, and functions in the Maryland, DC, and northern Virginia area and spend the next eleven years leveling up event experiences through various creative expressions. Everything else is history.

Dream Face Art provides various creative expressions for birthday parties, weddings, night events, corporate functions, and other forms of events. Some of their services include face and body art, balloon sculptures, party decor, entertainment services, glitter tattoos, airbrush tattoos, and many other creative offerings. The company continues to expand its art borders by collaborating with other artists and performers in the DC area to support the art community and add flair to many parties and functions in the region.

At the core of Dream Face Art’s existence is a commitment to creativity. The company values art more than anything and believes in its power to draw people together. “Art speaks a universal language through evoked emotions and concepts that merge onto vivid imagery,” shares Alexia Costas. “Dream Face Art believes that life imitates art and vice versa.”

The Costas family maintains that creativity isn’t something limited to artists. It’s an analogous form that anyone can experience and enjoy. In times such as today’s crisis, art plays an important role in providing people positive experiences that can uplift and even heal people. To the trio, art and entertainment is not just a luxury. It’s a necessity.

Dream Face Art commits just as much energy and effort to customer experiences as they do to the creative pursuit. Accordingly, they have developed a strong reputation for providing excellent client service and become some of today’s most reliable art and entertainment companies for events and functions. The company is a five-year Gigmasters Award recipient and awardee of The Bash and Thumbtack’s distinctions for loyalty and excellence. Alexia has also picked up various national awards and recognitions in body and art painting competitions. Her unmistakable talent shows in her amazing art and face-painting works that have made rounds all over social media and the digital stratosphere.

In the years to come, Dream Face Art hopes to expand to other corners of the nation and possibly even perform overseas. With their dedication to creative excellence and customer satisfaction, it’s only a matter of time until they start expanding their borders outwards. To check out Dream Face Art services and portfolio, check out their website, Facebook page, and Instagram. Connect with Alexia Costas by following her art account on Instagram.

Painted Citizen’s Diana Price: Revolutionizing the World of Art and Fashion through Empowerment

Jerry Cooper on November 3, 2020

Supermodels Jordyn Johnson and Sydney Falkner being transformed into living masterpieces.

Supermodel Jordyn Johnson @jordynjohnsonn is lying on the studio floor, wearing nothing but a smile. With Lady Gaga booming overhead, an abstract rainbow of non-toxic paint is being meticulously applied all over her body, as a photographer captures every pose. The vibe is joyful. How does Jordyn feel?

“Liberated,” Jordyn says. “I would do this again a million times. Diana makes me feel so beautiful.”

She’s talking about Phoenix artist Diana Price, who, at 28, is fast becoming a fashion darling who’s taking the art world by storm. Her curated street couture is designed to appeal to everyone from Kim Kardashian to kids on the corner. Because they feature one-of-a-kind works of art she creates by painting…on her clients.

“I’m living my truth,” she says, brushing back her soft blonde hair with a paint-splattered hand. “Which is to turn people into works of art. Seeing them feel good about themselves. That’s what I love most.”

Nude Painting…Revolutionized

“It’s definitely spiritual,” says Diana Price, “There’s something divine in making people feel so free.”

Clients who spend an afternoon inside Diana’s Phoenix, Arizona studio, (AKA her garage), say they love it too.

“The experience was life-changing, empowering,” says Sydney Falkner (@sydneeliana), another supermodel who adored her day with Diana. “Diana made me feel strong, feminine, and beautiful. She made me feel ‘seen.’”

Reviewing the latest images and video from a mid-October shoot, Diana does her best to describe the ethereal process.

“Once I lay down a base coat, I add two or three more colors. Then I let the energy dictate what happens next. It’s extremely collaborative.” The confidence her clients feel gives her confidence, too. “There’s definitely technique involved, but there’s plenty of spontaneity too. No shoot is exactly the same.”

So far, Diana has painted 30 clients, who all echo the same sentiments. More confidence, fewer inhibitions, total joy. “The Art of Empowerment,” Diana says, “is really all about beauty and truth.”

Phoenix Phenom

Born and raised in Phoenix, Ms Price finds inspiration from Andy Warhol, Betsy Johnson, Jackson Pollock, and Lady Gaga. Like them, she was known to be somewhat rebellious.

“Growing up, I was a rule bender, for sure,” she says, smiling and shrugging. “Once at a high school football game, on a dare, I ran onto the field and swiped the ball. I gave the crowd a story they’re still talking about,” she laughs. The story perfectly captures her brand’s motto: make your mark.

“I want people to feel the things that I once struggled with, things I wanted to feel in my life. The need to be recognized, feel beautiful, and feel good enough. I like making clients feel seen, noticed, and adored,” Diana ponders. “I like making them know that in my studio, they really are all of those things.”

Finding her way to Painted Citizen was not easy.

“It’s not lost on me that the word ‘pain’ is embedded in the word ‘paint,” Diana says, smiling. “It was hard, overcoming what life tossed at me,” she says, keeping the specifics private. “Coming out of my pain, all I could think of was, ‘The answer is in the paint.’ I’m fortunate I listened to my heart. That’s something I encourage in my clients. They get to carry their newfound confidence, in their hearts and in their souls, for the rest of their lives.”

Body of Work

Painted Citizen’s founder and Chief Empowerment Officer, Diana Price, in her work clothes.

She dreams of bringing her fashion and its message of empowerment all over the world.

“This has become my life’s passion,” Diana says. “And it’s so rewarding. Giving clients once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and letting them relive in those moments forever, through beautiful photography and high-end street couture.”

It’s one thing to own a work of art. But to be one? Diana confirms the spiritual side to it.

“There’s something divine that happens,” Diana muses, “when I’m painting on someone’s body, that I didn’t plan on happening. It feels perfectly imperfect. I don’t know how it all happens in this garage, but it does. What can I say? I’m blessed.”

Painted Citizen is accepting new clients. To book a session or purchase couture, go to PaintedCitizen.com.

Ars Media Arts Group: Making Opportunities for Creatives

Jerry Cooper on October 20, 2020

A career in art is challenging to establish, mainly because creatives and well-paying clients in need of creatives find difficulty connecting. The Ars Media Arts Group is an organization with a mission to provide the best resources for creatives by creating opportunities for these artists to connect with potential clients.

There is a frustratingly common misconception that art is “easy.” People typically fail to consider that the reason why various creatives can make their crafts look effortless is that they have spent countless hours and sleepless nights practicing. The right clients are ones who can fully appreciate the value of a good artist and are willing to compensate them accordingly for their services.

Ars MAG began as an idea between a couple of college students from Shepherd University in West Virginia. In 2016, these students bounce ideas off one another, which started to take shape soon after. They found the word ars, the Latin translation for the word “passion.” They found it a fitting name, and thus, the organization came to life.

With an incredible amount of potential, the organization quickly took off. In a short span of four years, it has been able to implement numerous events, raise over $50,000 in independent fundraising events, and create more than 500 opportunities per year for various creatives, including visual artists, journalists, photographers, and videographers.

Providing a vision, developing awareness, awarding experience, and capturing uniqueness; these are the organization’s four objectives by which its considerable success and continual growth can be attributable. These objectives create a solid foundation by which the organization can stand by its advocacy, promote creative freedom, and reward excellence at the same time.

The organization takes pride in its brand developing service, incredibly, which has been instrumental in creating countless opportunities for creatives and entrepreneurs alike. In addition to this, Ars MAG commits to artist development, brand development, project funding/sponsorship, and creative direction.

Specially designed to educate entrepreneurs on the nuances of marketing, the brand developing service is a unique brand-building service that touches upon how, who, and where of marketing. The knowledge that the organization imparts onto entrepreneurs serves as a foundation for them to be fully involved and knowledgeable in collaboration and developing their brand.

The responsibility of identifying creatives and their need for resources falls upon the shoulders of the Executive Director. In Ars MAG, that person is Torland Greene, a graduate of Shepherd University and Averett University, with degrees in Fine Arts and Graphic Design. With the drive and ars to contribute to the success of creatives in their respective fields, he has profound knowledge in the business aspect of art, fashion, and design. He has utilized that knowledge to further the industry. Marketing strategies, partnerships, study groups, and fundraisers are other development programs that he takes responsibility in.

For several years now, Ars MAG has been bridging the gap between mainstream platforms and emerging creatives, allowing them to connect and build mutually-beneficial relationships. Given the success it has met in the previous years, the organization can only grow further as time passes.

Find out more about Ars Media Arts Group by visiting their website.

Kimberly Berg Finds Purpose in Art and Poetry

Alice Blake on October 8, 2020

Often life tends to take us on a path different from what we originally intended. This predicament was undoubtedly the case for artist Kimberly Berg. He originally had other plans when he moved from Wisconsin’s rolling pastoral hills to the city that never sleeps.

In the strictest sense of things, Kimberly didn’t find art. Art found him. When he moved to New York City after graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Kimberly intended to become a writer. But moving toward getting a publisher didn’t seem to be Kimberly’s greater calling. He would become disenchanted by the publishing world and moved to the Adirondacks to build a cabin and live in simplicity.

Inspired by Thoreau and Zen philosophies, Kimberly Berg would resort to a self-sustainable way of living. He learned how to survive without electricity, use wood-fueled fires for heat, and grow his food. The shift of lifestyle would also expose Kimberly more and more to the craft of visual arts. He took the time to sketch, something he did in his childhood but never devoted himself to. Kimberly would hone his craft and master it, soon creating a unique style.

Today, Kimberly Berg wholeheartedly immerses himself in the world of art. To the premier artist, visual arts are more than just a means of creative expression. It’s also a tool to communicate messages that matter. For artist Kimberly, his art is his voice raised against the abusive patriarchal culture that plagues the world. He uses his work to speak actively against abuse and discrimination toward women. Nowadays, women struggle to rise above society due to the prevailing mindsets that belittle women’s work and effort. Generally, women receive lower salaries, lesser opportunities, and lesser chances of taking on influential community roles.

The inspiration for Kimberly’s advocacy began ten years ago when he read Layne Redmond’s When Drummers Were Women. “That book made me realize for the first time that a matrifocal culture has dominated the world since prehistoric times,” shares Kimberly. “Because of my history background, it was a shock to realize that our present patriarchal culture could not be presumed to be the natural order of human society. With this understanding I had to acknowledge as a man enjoying the benefits of a privileged gender that it is indefensible to think of or treat women as inferior in any way.”

Activist and artist Kimberly hopes that his work would inspire society to shift their ways and give women more chances to excel and thrive, whether at work or in life. He continually advocates for women’s rights and equality all across the board.

Kimberly Berg has still put his writing background to fair use, often merging his visual art with poetry and creative writing. He seamlessly joins the impactful messaging of visual creations and the written word. Audiences readily interact with his work in an interdimensional way.

The gift to weave together the visual and written portions of his work makes Kimberly a unique artist. No other artist seamlessly blends both practices into one with perfection. Consequently, Kimberly Berg has received the highest praise and critical acclaim all across the art world. Today Kimberly Berg runs Isis Rising, a curation of his best works.

To learn more about Kimberly Berg, check out Isis Rising’s official website.

Evelyn Adams, aka Yinka, Connects with Her Cultural Roots Through Art

Jerry Cooper on September 19, 2020

Ghanaian-American artist Evelyn Adams, also known as Yinka, embraces the two distinctive cultures she has immersed herself in as she composes her artwork. Her connection to her cultural roots provides her with the inspiration to create art that liberates and heals.

Recent events have led to the strengthening of the Black Lives Matter movement. As a result, larger society now demands for systemic changes that battle discrimination and support inclusivity. Of course, the more expansive message of the movement is the acceptance, respect, and celebration of diverse peoples and cultures. During this critical period in history, Yinka exemplifies the excellence of African American artists. Her work and her message have always been about honoring and promoting cultural heritage.

The use of authentic African elements makes the master artist’s work unique. Evelyn Adams incorporates beads and other traditional materials into her mixed media compositions. She centers her artwork around textiles and Ghanaian clothing. Her artistic choices are intentional; Yinka utilizes art to explore themes of identity and her mother country’s rich culture. Her vibrant and colorful paintings are a tangible expression of her deep love and appreciation for the place she calls home.

Yinka displayed a keen interest in art from a very young age. As a little girl, she drew whatever object or event caught her attention and sketched from observation. She carried and developed her passion throughout her life. After graduating from high school, she decided to pursue formal training. Evelyn Adams graduated from Nassau Community College with associate degrees in liberal arts and science in 2012 and fine arts in 2013. Two years later, in 2015, she completed her bachelor’s degree in fine arts at Long Island University Post.

Evelyn Adams has expressed that “Art…has no boundaries and limitations, therefore; Art is Freedom; Art is Exploration; Art is Inspiration; Art is Healing.” Committed to her vision, Yinka uses her art to make a positive impact on the world. She is engaged in the cause to raise awareness for people impacted by cancer. Her artwork “Unite & Fight For A Cure,” was featured in the “Victors of Survival” event for breast cancer month. She goes on to say that her goal is to spread healing through her work and share the beauty of her African heritage.

As a medium and language, art is universal. Yinka creates works that open themselves up for free interpretation. With such an understanding of and approach to art, it is no wonder that Evelyn Adams has gained a global audience. Many of her art pieces are displayed in various international universities in South Korea. Exhibits such as “The Faces of Inspirational Women,” “In Honor of Women’s History Month,” and “My People, My Culture, and My Birthplace” have also featured her work.

Evelyn Adams offers a fresh perspective into the world of fine arts. Her multicultural background, positivity, and message of tolerance and love give life to each piece that she creates.

Learn more by visiting her website. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Viviana Puello Dedicates Life’s Work and Company to Promoting Art and Peace

Jerry Cooper on July 22, 2020

Many people often think of art as nothing more than a form of leisure. But people like Viviana Puello and her company proves that art serves a more significant function than recreation. It’s also a transformational medium that can help push initiatives for positive change forward.

Viviana is the founder and CEO of ArtTour International, a media company that aims to give artists all over the world a platform to showcase their art. The multimedia organization has a website, large social media platforms, a magazine publication, and a television show that reaches audiences from over forty countries all over the globe.

Through the years, ArtTour has amassed a vast network of artists and art enthusiasts. The company’s television show, “ArtTour International,” which airs every Thursday at 5:30 PM in New York through MNN-HD Spectrum 1993, reaches over ten million viewers weekly. The company’s magazine also has a massive reach, with two million people subscribed to digital and print versions of the publication. ArtTour International’s social media platforms have also gathered a substantial reach, collecting over two hundred thousand followers throughout various social channels.

Today, Viviana uses the influence that she and ArtTour have amassed for various worthy causes. Viviana and ArtTour focus their efforts on supporting art activism, which has given birth to a daughter publication entitled “ATIM’s Top 60 Masters.” The project comes in the form of an annual magazine that brings together sixty artists from different nations to promote peace awareness.

A direct pet project of Viviana and her partner and husband, award-winning Italian Film Maker, Alan Grimandi, the ATIM’s Top 60 Masters has risen to become one of the most prestigious awards in the international art world. This year, the company released its ninth edition, collating the works of the selected few after screening submissions from over 3,200 of the best artists the world has to offer.

The selections circulate a central theme. This year’s showcase brings the spotlight on racial discrimination and the support for the Black Lives Matter movement. The campaign accelerated after the injustice committed toward George Floyd by police officers, which ultimately led to his untimely death. This year’s issue’s front cover features the abstract painting of Patricia Karen Gagic entitled “Escape to Reality.” The edition also features the work of artist LeRoi, Native American artist Cher Anderson, and ALBY, to name just a few.

One of the highlights of the ATIM Top 60 Masters Awards is a gathering that brings together the top sixty awardees in a ceremony co-presented by Viviana’s other non-profit organization, Create 4 Peace. This year’s awarding ceremony was set to be held in New York but was moved back due to the coronavirus pandemic. Alternatively, the awarding ceremony will happen next spring in Florence, Italy.

Through ArtTour International, ATIM Top 60 Masters, and her many initiatives, Viviana has brought together an army of artist-activists from over two hundred countries. The curator and art influencer hopes that with this extensive network of elite creators, they can create a positive impact in society through various forms of art.

To learn more about Viviana and her many charitable projects, visit ArtTour International’s website, Facebook page, and Instagram.

Tag: Art