Discover our story and the vision that inspires us
WHO WE ARE
Breaking Barriers
MRKT is an art-selling platform with an ethical approach, exclusively representing artists from Global Majority backgrounds. Committed to challenging the systemic exclusivity of the art world, we work to dismantle the elitist barriers that have historically excluded emerging artists and first-time collectors due to high costs, opaque processes, and limited representation. By offering fair compensation, curated printed works, and mentorship in professional development, we support underrepresented artists and engage a new generation of collectors in a more accessible and meaningful way.
Our Founders' Journey
MRKT was born out of the personal experiences of its founders, Ravista Mehra and Zarna Hart, immigrants from India and Trinidad & Tobago. Moving to London to pursue their Masters and establish themselves in the art world, they quickly encountered the systemic exclusion that keeps artists from the Global Majority on the fringes. The ‘right’ crowd—often a small, exclusive network of wealthy, local, and predominantly white collectors—determined who gained visibility and success. Rather than accept these barriers, Ravista and Zarna founded MRKT—a platform built to create space for artists who lacked access to traditional art markets.
WHAT WE DO
Our Services
The team at MRKT manages all marketing, shipping/handling, event management and community communications across our website, and social media channels. Our collection has a quarterly rotation of artists so that there is a cyclical chance to sell and buy, and we also provide offline experiences where our community can engage in more ways than one.
Creating Long-Term Connections
Beyond online sales, MRKT fosters community through curated pop-ups, mentorship programmes, and artist-led events that encourage cultural exchange and economic empowerment. We work closely with artists to optimise their production methods for accessibility without compromising artistic integrity. By disrupting the traditional art economy, we create a circular marketplace where both artists and buyers have agency, ensuring diverse voices are at the centre.
The MRKT story
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MRKT launches: July, 2024
MRKT begins its journey with a pop-up event at Reference Point, London, offering a preview of our curated collections from Global Majority artists and setting the stage for an inclusive art marketplace.
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MRKT website launches: August, 2024
MRKT website launches, offering a seamless platform to discover and purchase unique art, design, and craft, with a commitment to accessibility and fair pricing.
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MRKT’s growth and team building: November, 2024
MRKT expands its team and operations, deepening collaborations with Global Majority artists while growing a vibrant community that fosters creative exchange, mentorship, and a broader range of artistic offerings.
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Looking ahead: 2025 & beyond
MRKT is set to grow further, introducing new initiatives to foster community engagement, empower Global Majority artists, and revolutionise the art-buying experience by disrupting traditional industry structures.
