ArtMeant* Project

In this conversation, we explore the story behind Listnivo, a fresh and inspiring platform built around curated recommendations. Created by Şebnem Alkın the founder of Artnivo.com, Listnivo offers a new way to discover books, films, music, and more all through personal and expert-made lists.

We also look back at the journey of Artnivo.com, a pioneer in Turkey’s online art scene, and how both platforms reflect a shared passion for creativity, accessibility, and cultural discovery.

Interview by Buket Bal Soezeri

How did the idea of founding Artnivo.com come about? What inspired you during this process?

The idea of Artnivo.com actually started from a personal insight. As someone who really enjoys visiting exhibitions and art fairs, I noticed the need for a platform where young artists and collectors could connect more directly. At the same time, while I was teaching an e-commerce course at the university, I used to tell my students: “Create an e-commerce site in a field you love.” Then I asked myself, “Why am I not doing that?” This personal reflection led to the first steps of Artnivo.com.

My main inspiration was the desire to create a visible and sustainable space for artists.

How do you think Artnivo.com contributes to the contemporary art scene in Turkey?

Artnivo.com is based on the idea of making art more accessible and democratic. Since the artworks are online and affordable, it helped new collectors to emerge. For artists, it’s not just a sales platform; it’s also a space to gain visibility and even to build their career path. With our curated selections, interviews, and current content, it became a multi-dimensional space where art lovers can access information and explore their interests.

Since we launched Artnivo.com in 2013, we have worked with hundreds of artists and even held many of their first physical exhibitions.

How has Artnivo.com evolved over time?

At first, it was only focused on online sales. Later, we started using the ground floor of the IKSV building as a project space and organized many exhibitions and events there. We also worked on joint exhibitions with different institutions. For example, the 8 Cubes exhibition with Zorlu PSM, or the Contemporary Art in Open Air Project with Stroer Kent Vizyon, where we used Istanbul’s billboards as canvases, attracted a lot of attention.

With the rise of digitalization during the pandemic, many online art platforms appeared in Turkey, but remembering that we were one of the pioneers made us feel proud.

In the past year, we’ve shifted from being an online marketplace to becoming a media platform that supports young artists and publishes art criticism.

How did Listnivo come into being? How is it related to Artnivo.com, or how is it different?

Listnivo came from my daily observations and needs. We live in a time when everyone shares recommendations, but they often get lost. I imagined a platform that offers order, inspiration, and sharing through lists.

It is similar to Artnivo.com in terms of context; both are content-based and curated. However, Listnivo appeals to a broader audience, covering all areas of life, not just art. While Artnivo focuses more on creation and art, Listnivo is centered on recommendation culture and creativity.

What value does Listnivo offer to its users? How can they access the app?

Listnivo allows users to create and explore inspiring lists in many areas like films, books, music, travel, and restaurants. Users can create personal lists or explore lists made by experts. The app is currently invite-only and available as a mobile app.

We are growing organically through different collaborations. Many artists and collectors are already using it, and it’s a space where artists can express their creativity too. Our goal is to support more young artists through Listnivo.

What kind of innovation do you think it brings to digital culture and art consumption?

Listnivo creates a new path in digital culture by making recommendation culture more organized and accessible. In the art field, it offers a more permanent and discoverable space for exhibition, book, and film suggestions rather than just short-lived social media posts.

It has also enriched the field by encouraging art professionals to create and share their own lists.

What challenges did you face while developing Listnivo? Do you think it could expand into other areas in the future?

One of the biggest challenges was creating a simple but multi-functional user experience. Also, a lot of strategic work was done to make the idea of “lists” work both individually and as a community.

Development is still ongoing, because we see Listnivo as a living organism. In the long term, we dream of it becoming a platform that comes to mind when people think of inspiration, happiness, and lists.