Digital art can contribute to sustainability in the hospitality industry in several ways:
Reduction in Material Use: Traditional art forms often require physical materials like canvas, paint, and frames, which can have a significant environmental impact due to their production, transportation, and disposal. Digital art, on the other hand, is created and displayed electronically, significantly reducing the need for these materials. Art fairs around the world have been reducing waste. In Paris, the FIAC (International Contemporary Art Fair) claims to have recycled 44% of its waste in 2019. The same year, Art Basel had set up carbon offsetting scheme during its Miami edition.
Additionally, when it comes to online auctions, in LiveAuctioneers 2020 annual report, they declared that they saved 68 tons of paper thanks to online auctions.
Energy Efficiency in Display: Digital artworks can be displayed using energy-efficient screens and LED displays. These modern technologies often consume less energy compared to traditional lighting used to illuminate physical artworks. Additionally, the flexibility of digital displays means that they can be turned off or dimmed when not needed, further saving energy.
Versatility and Customization: Digital art allows for greater flexibility in terms of customization to fit the aesthetic or thematic needs of a hospitality space. This means that a single digital display can be used to show a variety of artworks, reducing the need to purchase and install multiple physical pieces.
Longevity and Preservation: Unlike physical artworks that can degrade over time, digital art does not suffer from wear and tear, making it a more sustainable option in the long term. It doesn't require special conditions like controlled temperature and humidity, which are often needed to preserve traditional art forms and can be energy-intensive.
Educational and Awareness-Raising Potential: Digital art can be used as a dynamic tool to educate guests about sustainability and environmental issues. Interactive installations or artworks that change to reflect real-time environmental data can engage guests in a unique way, raising awareness about sustainability.
Support for Local Artists and Global Collaboration: Digital platforms can make it easier for hospitality businesses to feature works by local artists, promoting community engagement and reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting physical art pieces. Moreover, digital collaborations allow artists from different parts of the world to work together without the need for travel, further supporting sustainability.
Reduced Transportation and Storage Needs: Physical artworks often require transportation, which contributes to carbon emissions, and storage, which can be resource-intensive. Digital art can be distributed electronically, eliminating these needs and their associated environmental impact.
Incorporating digital art into the hospitality industry not only offers aesthetic and operational benefits but also aligns with the growing trend towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.
