Description of the project: Óleo is an online marketplace designed to showcase and sell fine art while fostering an inclusive community for underrepresented artists, with a focus on Hispanic and Latin talent. The platform integrates curated feedback from professional art critics, blockchain technology for transparency, and AI-driven personalization to equip artists with tools for managing virtual galleries, gaining global exposure, and achieving financial sustainability. Óleo directly supports student and institutional success by addressing systemic barriers in the art world, such as limited access and gatekeeping, empowering emerging artists to thrive. We contribute to decision-making and improvement processes by leveraging data-driven insights into buyer preferences and artwork performance, enabling artists and curators to make informed choices. Cost-effectiveness is ensured through a scalable infrastructure funded by affordable membership and transaction fees, maintaining accessibility for artists while generating sustainable revenue. Early success indicators include increased artwork sales, active user engagement, and collaborations with Hispanic-focused organizations, which have amplified visibility for Latin artists.
Presenter:
Fabiola Lopez is a visual artist and entrepreneur passionate about blending art and business. After studying classical music at the Ernesto Ramos Antonini School of Fine Arts, where she earned a diploma in classical music, she pursued foreign languages at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR). However, with the onset of COVID-19, she shifted her focus to the workforce, gaining valuable experience in luxury sales within the skincare industry. There, she honed her skills in sales, leadership, and management through roles in auditing and team supervision.
After four years in the industry, Fabiola decided to return to university to study finance and launch her entrepreneurial project, Óleo. Her efforts have already earned her recognition as a winner of the Inter Tiger Venture Competition, along with the opportunity to participate in an internship with Coca-Cola.