A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Art Business Conference in New York, where leaders from across the art world gathered to discuss the forces currently shaping the market. From shifting collector behaviors to tariffs and the growing influence of technology, the conference offered valuable insight into today’s evolving landscape.
Thank you to Art Market Minds for the excellent lineup and for providing art professionals like myself the opportunity to come together, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.
A few key takeaways:
🔹 Tariffs are adding administrative and financial burdens for both galleries and collectors, contributing to broader market volatility. Some galleries are even reconsidering their exhibition schedules due to increased costs.
🔹 In this uncertain climate, collectors are recalibrating—many are becoming more selective, while others are taking a wait-and-see approach.
🔹 Private sales are on the rise, with major auction houses reporting increased activity outside of the public auction format. At the same time, the price disparity between primary and secondary markets is greater, making timing and pricing critical considerations for collectors.
🔹 Collectors who acquired works during the market peak — particularly around the Covid boom — may face a pricing correction if they choose to sell now.
Looking ahead:
✔️ Now is an ideal moment for collectors to take stock, refine their strategy, and focus on quality over quantity.
✔️ Tastes are shifting, and new collectors are drawn to artists whose values align with their own.
✔️ The next generation values in-person experiences, conversation, and community as part of how they engage with and learn about art.
While no one enjoys uncertainty, this recalibration of the art market may ultimately be a healthy shift. It brings less speculation, less impulse-driven buying — and a return to a more sustainable pace. For a while, art was being consumed at a rate that was difficult to maintain. Artists, too, need time and space to create meaningful work.
Thoughtful collections are built over time, with an emphasis on quality over quantity. So much of what I do as an art advisor is help clients cut through the noise, remain discerning, and focus on artists with lasting impact and staying power. The art market may fluctuate but connoisseurship, patience, and clarity of vision withstand the test of time. Always open to continuing the conversation.
The Art Business Conference
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