Our Story
The Foundation for Artist Catalogues was born from a critical need in the art world. Until recently, catalogues raisonnés were published as books—printed, bound, and shelved in libraries where access was often limited by geography, institutional affiliation, or availability. The digital revolution transformed this landscape. Born-digital catalogues opened new possibilities: real-time collaboration, expanded scholarly research, and the ability to include and relate not just works, exhibitions, and provenance, but sketches, correspondence, archival material, and primary sources. The digital platform created a far richer scholarly environment. But it also created a vulnerability. Unlike physical books that endure on library shelves, digital catalogues require constant maintenance, hosting, and technological updates. When catalogue stakeholders complete their work and eventually sunset—as many do—their scholarly work risks disappearing entirely. No other mission focused institution has stepped forward to provide long-term stewardship for these vital cultural resources. We created the Foundation for Artist Catalogues to fill that gap.
The Foundation
The Foundation for Artist Catalogues is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that ensures that completed digital catalogues raisonnés never go dark. We provide permanent stewardship, preservation, and public access—safeguarding these scholarly achievements for future generations. Our work builds on decades of pioneering digital catalogue development. Our platform, Artifact, evolved from the groundbreaking innovations of PanOpticon, the studio founded by Susannah and Roger Shepherd that established the gold standard for digital catalogue raisonné design and functionality. Drawing on years of technical expertise and deep engagement with artists, estates, and scholars, PanOpticon developed sophisticated solutions for presenting complex art historical data in accessible, elegant digital formats. Artifact represents the culmination of that experience—a best-in-class platform purpose-built for permanence, flexibility, and scholarly rigor.
Meet the Team
Susannah Shepherd
Director of Product
Co-creator, lead developer, and COO of panOpticon, a cloud-based information management platform built specifically for Catalogue Raisonné creators. panOpticon was among the earliest data management systems created specifically for CR purposes. Susannah has a deep understanding of what CR research and publication entails and brings unparalleled expertise in digital catalogue architecture and design.
Dean Lentz
Executive Director
Founding partner of Cyber City, Inc., a premier New York based technology firm created in 1996 that served prestigious galleries, museums, artists, and artist foundations worldwide. Dean is passionate about best-in-class solutions at the forefront of emerging technologies. His decades of experience at the intersection of art and technology inform our technical infrastructure.
Bill Braine
Director of Community Engagement
A creative communications specialist with extensive experience helping complex businesses and small non-profits achieve their goals. With twelve years at Sotheby’s New York, more than a decade in financial services, and board and advisory experience in non-profits and government, Bill excels at community building, editorial production, and cultural preservation.