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.
The Team
Susannah Shepherd
Co-creator, lead developer, and COO of PanOpticon, Susannah brings unparalleled expertise in digital catalogue architecture and design.
William Braine
A marketing strategist, communications specialist, and product manager with extensive experience elevating world-class brands. Bill previously worked with Mastercard and Sotheby's, bringing sophisticated market knowledge to cultural preservation.
Dean Lentz
Founding partner of Cyber City, Inc., a premier New York technology firm that served prestigious galleries, museums, artists, and artist foundations worldwide. Dean's decades of experience at the intersection of art and technology inform our technical infrastructure.