This DC startup is offering a subscription-based art plan

A newly-launched D.C. startup is looking to take office art beyond whatever happens to be on the whiteboard. Newly launched DC-based art subscription company goARTful allows you to rotate photo, drawing and painting prints from local artists in the office or home from $15 a month on up.

It’s been well-documented that office art can boost productivity, ease tension and spark creativity.

“Art is more than something that hangs on walls,” said goARTful co-CEO Messay Derebe. “Every day thousands of people pass by an artists’ work at a festival, in a gallery or online and move on without seeing the artist and buying because they’re intimidated by the cost or other concerns.”

Derebe said she came up with the idea after not being able to find affordable art at home.

“There weren’t a lot of avenues for people like me to buy art,” she said.

The company launched on Nov. 30, and 33 percent of all subscription revenue goes to the artist whose piece is being rented. If the renter absolutely loves the piece and needs to buy it, 85 percent of the purchase price goes to the artist. The company will hold mixers and art openings for the public to get to know the artists and pick up the latest pieces.

Co-CEO Brandolon Barnett wants goARTful to expand to cities with high rents.

“At the end of the day, we think art is for everyone,” he said. “The more genuine local art that’s out there enriching peoples’ daily lives, the better the world.”