Date of Award
2026
Document Type
MA Project - Restricted Access (SIA Only) - With Distinction
Project Type
MA Project - Business Plan
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Art Business
First Advisor
Lawrence Motz
Second Advisor
Noah Kupferman
Abstract
This business proposal introduces Chiho Gallery, an online-based contemporary art gallery offering carefully curated Japanese artworks by living artists. This gallery is designed to fill a clear gap in the international art market while addressing several barriers that international collectors face when purchasing authentic Japanese artworks. Existing options in the online art market are divided between inexpensive decorative prints, antique objects unsuitable for modern interiors, and Western-style contemporary works at high-end galleries. This gallery will offer authentic, accessibly priced contemporary works that embody traditional Japanese aesthetics, presented in a way that is well suited for display in modern spaces. The gallery will represent a small number of emerging and mid-career artists based in Japan, and the artworks will primarily be paintings and works on paper, many of which will be nihonga-style. Rather than offering hundreds of works, which can be overwhelming, Chiho Gallery’s tightly curated selection will provide clarity and guidance for collectors navigating the complex international market for Japanese art. The gallery’s easy-to-use, inclusive online platform, featuring educational content and price transparency, will reduce barriers for new collectors. Operationally, the gallery will use a streamlined logistics system to ship the artworks from Japan to the buyer. The business structure is designed to carefully control costs while outsourcing to a fine art logistics provider for professional handling, climate-controlled storage, proper export documentation, and efficient international shipping, making it easy for buyers to purchase authentic Japanese art. These streamlined 1 logistics, combined with curatorial guidance, will offer a seamless buying experience for collectors. The gallery will primarily target collectors located within the United States and Canada. Special focus will be given to millennials, who have already developed an appreciation for Japanese culture through exposure to Japanese cultural exports, are entering their peak earning years, and are increasingly comfortable making art purchases online. Marketing efforts will be strategically launched, including search engine optimization, social media campaigns, press releases, targeted advertising, and outreach to art advisors and interior decorators. Campaigns will focus on audiences who have expressed interest in Japanese culture, contemporary art, and/or interior design. The gallery’s financial projections demonstrate a lean, low-risk business structure that is financially viable. Even with modest initial revenue assumptions, the projection shows steady, scalable growth, driven by rising brand awareness as marketing and advertising campaigns take effect. Based on these projections, Chiho Gallery is well positioned to establish itself in the international art market as a trusted destination for collectors seeking authentic, beautifully curated contemporary Japanese art.
Recommended Citation
Porteous, Asha, "Chiho: Gallery" (2026). MA Projects. 274.
https://digitalcommons.sia.edu/stu_proj/274