Top Artwork Tracking Software in 2023: Artwork tracking refers to the process of monitoring and keeping a record of artworks throughout their lifecycle. It involves the systematic tracking of various aspects related to artworks, such as their location, movement, condition, and ownership. Artwork tracking is particularly important in the art world, where valuable artworks are frequently transported, exhibited, bought, sold, and loaned to museums or galleries.
The goal of artwork tracking is to ensure the proper management, security, and preservation of artworks. It involves using various techniques and technologies to establish a comprehensive and reliable system for tracking and documenting important information about each artwork.
What is Artwork Tracking software?
Artwork tracking software is a specialized tool or application designed to assist in the management, tracking, and documentation of artworks. It provides a digital solution to streamline and automate various aspects of artwork tracking, making it easier for art institutions, galleries, collectors, and artists to manage their collections.
Artwork tracking software typically offers a range of features and functionalities tailored to the specific needs of the art industry. Some common features found in artwork tracking software are listed below.
Database management
The software provides a centralized database or inventory management system to store and organize information about artworks. It allows for easy searching, sorting, and filtering based on different criteria such as artist, medium, location, or ownership.
Artwork profiling
Each artwork can be profiled with detailed information, including artist details, title, medium, dimensions, provenance, condition reports, exhibition history, and any relevant documentation. This information is stored and linked to the artwork’s unique identifier.
Location tracking
Artwork tracking software often integrates with location tracking technologies such as GPS or RFID to monitor the movement and current location of artworks. This feature is particularly useful for artworks on loan, in transit, or exhibited in different venues.
Barcoding and tagging
The software supports the generation and printing of barcodes or RFID tags that can be attached to artworks. These tags contain unique identifiers that can be scanned and linked to the artwork’s information in the database.
Condition monitoring
The software enables the recording and tracking of artwork condition over time. It allows for the creation of condition reports, documenting any changes, damage, or restoration work undertaken.
Loan and exhibition management
Artwork tracking software often includes features to manage loan agreements, track exhibition history, and schedule transport or installation logistics for artworks.
Image and document management
The software may provide tools for capturing and storing high-resolution images of artworks. It allows for the attachment of additional documents, such as certificates of authenticity, conservation reports, or appraisal documents.
Reporting and analytics
Artwork tracking software can generate reports and analytics based on various criteria, providing insights into collection statistics, loan history, valuation, or conservation needs.
The specific features and capabilities of artwork tracking software may vary depending on the provider and the needs of the user. Some software solutions are designed for large institutions and collections, while others cater to individual artists or smaller galleries. The software can be hosted locally or accessed through cloud-based platforms, offering flexibility in terms of accessibility and scalability.
What are the examples of Artwork Assets to track?
Artwork assets refer to the individual pieces of artwork that are tracked and managed using artwork tracking systems. These assets can vary in terms of their nature, size, value, and purpose. Here are some examples of artwork assets that are commonly tracked.
Paintings – This includes various types of paintings, such as oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, or mixed media artworks.
Sculptures – Three-dimensional artworks created using materials like stone, metal, wood, clay, or glass.
Drawings – Artworks created using pencils, charcoal, ink, pastels, or other drawing media.
Prints – Limited edition prints, engravings, etchings, lithographs, screenprints, or digital prints.
Photographs – Artistic photographs or photographic prints created by photographers or artists.
Installations – Large-scale or site-specific artworks that are created for a particular space or environment.
Textiles – Artworks created using fabrics, textiles, or fiber-based materials, including tapestries, quilts, or textile sculptures.
Mixed media – Artworks that incorporate multiple materials, techniques, or media, such as collages, assemblages, or multimedia installations.
Digital art – Artworks created using digital technologies, including digital paintings, digital prints, computer-generated art, or interactive installations.
Ceramics and pottery – Artistic creations made from clay or other ceramic materials, including vases, bowls, figurines, or decorative objects.
Glass art – Artworks created using glassblowing, stained glass, fused glass, or other glass-working techniques.
Performance art – Live performances or ephemeral artworks that involve actions, gestures, or interactions with the audience.
Jewelry – Artistic and sculptural jewelry pieces created using precious metals, gemstones, or alternative materials.
Indigenous or cultural artifacts – Artworks created by indigenous communities or representing cultural heritage, including masks, carvings, or traditional crafts.
Antiquities – Ancient artworks, artifacts, or archaeological objects of historical or cultural significance.
These are just a few examples, and the range of artwork assets that can be tracked is vast and diverse. Artwork tracking systems aim to capture and manage information about each individual asset to ensure their proper documentation, conservation, security, and movement throughout their lifecycle.
Top Artwork Tracking Software in 2023
The list below of top artwork tracking software in 2023 is created by our tech turf research team. We have made every effort to make it accurate but we do not claim it to be 100% accurate.
