Meet Salah Zalatimo: CEO of Voice

We are thrilled to introduce our New York Fall 2022 Digital Content Sponsor: Voice

Voice is a digital art marketplace that is carbon neutral, easy to use and multi-chain compatible. Voice believes that NFT technology will change the internet by introducing verified ownership to our digital world as they build a way for digital art to be collectible.

We were able to talk with Salah Zalatimo, Voice’s CEO, to learn more about the ever-elusive NFT and discuss the future and evolution of digital art as a medium and subject-matter. Read for more…

INTERVIEW WITH SALAH ZALATIMO, CEO OF VOICE

Can you tell us about yourself and your journey through the arts?

I have spent most of my career in the media space, starting at Sony Music and most recently as Chief Digital Officer at Forbes Media. I have a deep personal interest in creative arts and disruptive technology, and the combination of my expertise and interests led me to where I am today. 

What is Voice and what inspired you to create this platform?

Voice is a carbon neutral digital art marketplace with a focus on emerging artists. 

I knew when I joined Voice as CEO back in early 2020 that the dynamic between those who create content online and platforms that benefit from that content was broken. Building Voice to realign that power dynamic for the art world has been the opportunity of a lifetime. 

We launched our NFT marketplace almost exactly a year ago and have spent that time discovering and supporting the world’s best digital artists and cultivating a world class collector group that truly believes in what we’re building. 

How has Voice evolved over the years and where do you visualize it developing in the future?

When I first joined Voice, we were building a tokenized social media platform – again, distributing the power dynamic at play. There were a myriad of challenges faced, including token approval by the SEC, that led us to explore other avenues to fulfill our mission of supporting emerging creators. 

The stars aligned on timing, as NFTs emerged as a truly disruptive force for artists in front of our eyes. NFTs are a new media format altogether. 

Over the past year, we’ve onboarded thousands of artists, putting money directly in their pockets, with a dedicated focus on those who deserve to be seen and heard but traditionally haven’t been. 

What are the benefits of digital art collecting and how does Voice fit into the narrative?

NFTs introduce verified ownership to our digital world. This will disrupt many more industries than it won’t. We see NFTs going far beyond the world of digital art and revolutionizing the way all creators monetize their work – contemporary artists included.

For the contemporary art world, that will come to play in a newfound relationship between artists and their galleries, collectors and museums. Where previously the power was in the hands of institutions, now artists are able to distribute and monetize their work more easily than ever before–so they will lead the way in viewing and collecting conversations of tomorrow. Voice facilitates minting and collecting without cost or barriers, so traditional artists can enter and experiment with NFTs without any upfront cost or concern.

How does partnering with brands like Affordable Art Fair NYC connect with your mission and what do you hope people learn about Voice?

We believe in a world where everyone can be an art collector. Imagine being able to share your collection with anyone, anywhere, anytime. We are all surrounded by screens most of our days. Now they can be filled with impactful art, while supporting artists who continue to move culture and society forward. 

Thank you Salah for your insight on the brave new world of digital art and for joining us as a partner for the Fall edition of the Affordable Art Fair NYC!

Join us for our 20th anniversary celebration opening next Thursday, September 22 for the late-night Private View so make sure to get your All-Access Passes here and get ready to discover the joy of collecting art this Fall in New York City!