Find Artwork Storage Locations Instantly: Streamline Exhibition Preparation

Galleru Ueda

Since its founding in 1978, Ueda Gallery in Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, has been introducing people to a wide range of art, including paintings, ceramics, and sculptures. With over 300 installations in national and public museums, as well as corporate collections, the gallery has handled numerous artworks. We interviewed Director Ueda to learn how ArtXCloud functions within the gallery and about their future outlook.

Progress with Everyone Involved

What do you prioritize in gallery management?

We prioritize people. Whether it's artists, customers, colleagues, or delivery staff, I value everyone who is involved.

What kind of relationships do you aim to build with each of them?

When building a partnership with artists, I prioritize establishing trust. If that seems difficult, I may decline the collaboration, even if the artwork is of high quality. The same applies to our colleagues and delivery staff. I believe that by working together with mutual respect, we can achieve better results.

It's also characteristic of the gallery to engage in a wide range of activities starting with, but not limited to, visual art.

As a gallery, our philosophy is to integrate art into everyday life and contribute to the local community. We hold exhibitions to support artists with disabilities, host lectures on art, and offer gallery tours for elementary school students.

Challenges Unique to Handling Numerous Contemporary Artists

Let's talk about ArtXCloud. We first offered our services to you by phone. What was your first impression?

While I was on the phone with you, I looked up ArtXCloud and your company. Words like "venture," "young," and "IT" caught my eye. I felt a sense of energy. I usually decline sales calls, but I felt that I could grow alongside yout company, so I decided to listen to what you had to say.

What was the deciding factor for adopting ArtXCloud?

I was attracted to the ability to manage the location of works online. Another factor was the ease of creating artwork lists ahead of exhibitions.

What specific problems did you previously have with artwork management?

Since the works were stored in various locations—such as our gallery, warehouse, and the artist's studio—it often took time to locate them. I realized that by adopting ArtXCloud, we could visualize the storage locations, significantly reducing the time spent searching for works.

Artwork List Creation Time Cut by Two Thirds

Have there been any changes to the challenges you were facing after adopting ArtXCloud?

Yes. Creating an artwork list, which used to take about 30 minutes per list, has now been shortened to about 9 minutes. The work involved in exhibition preparation has become more efficient. I can use my time more effectively.

How about artwork management?

I no longer have to worry about where a particular artwork is stored. It's convenient because the storage information of the artworks is centrally managed online.

Who would you recommend ArtXCloud to?

I would recommend it to galleries that are operated by a small number of people. This is because galleries often have to handle various tasks simultaneously, such as exhibitions and art fairs, shipping works, and communicating with multiple artists. This can easily lead to mistakes. ArtXCloud can help prevent this.

Expanding Connections with Other Industries

Could you tell us about your future outlook for gallery management?

Currently, we have connections with various fields, including hospitality, construction, restaurants, and facilities for people with disabilities. I want to create connections with even more industries. For example, manufacturing companies often have unused wall space. Displaying artworks could not only strengthen the company’s identity but also help create a more relaxing environment for its employees.

Could you also tell us the reason why you emphasize collaboration with other industries?

Because the art industry itself is a small world. Ueda Gallery was founded by my grandfather in the 1960s and was passed down to my mother before taking its current form. I left my previous role in advertising to join the family business because I want to bring Ueda Gallery into the next generation. I want to expand the gallery's scope by nourishing connections with other industries. Ultimately, I hope to exhibit at art fairs overseas.