A group of creative companies, local arts and entertainment, are not happy with the new live events venue by LivingSocial, arguing that the platform takes direct aim at their businesses, which the firm rebuts. The D.C.-based daily deals company opened a building at 918 F St. NW, where it will host concerts, temporary restaurants, and painting parties. Michael Clements, founder of ArtJamz, a District-based company that hosts painting parties, said, “It’s a free market, but LivingSocial is using Wal-Mart principles against the creative community. There has got to be another way for them to use their millions than to compete with creative businesses.”
LivingSocial offered a two hour painting class, complete with wine, for $29, which is half the price Clement usually charges. About 3,326 people have already purchased tickets for the event, which is about the same amount of customers ArtJamz hosted in 2011. LivingSocial’s senior vice president for new initiatives Doug Miller said, “It’s really designed as a platform to bring local merchants together with members in a new way to create unique experiences. Our space supports area businesses. We’d like to invite people like ArtJamz, and people in that community, to experience it and discuss ways they can use the platform.” Celebrity chef Mike Isabella used the venue to try out recipes for the Mexican restaurant he plans to open in Georgetown this spring called Bandolero, Miller noted.
