Wealth shift redefines art market as next-gen collectors demand values before profit

The report authors warn that without reform the market risks alienating the very demographic set to inherit and expand it.

Mid-market works (priced between US$50,000 and US$1 million) emerged as a rare bright spot, proving more resilient amid the broader slowdown. Valued at roughly $8 billion in 2024, this segment represents a largely untapped opportunity for new collectors and investors.

At the wealth management level, art remains a cornerstone of comprehensive advisory services and although fewer institutions now offer art-related support (down from 63% in 2023 to 51% in 2025), those that do are expanding their focus beyond investment.

Nearly nine out of ten wealth managers emphasized the need for “integrated advisory relationships,” connecting art with estate planning, philanthropy, and legacy creation. Clients now allocate about 10.4% of their total wealth to art and collectibles, a share largely consistent with recent years.

Among family offices, only 7% now prioritize art investment as a near-term focus, while 67% rank estate planning as their top concern. Art philanthropy has gained momentum, rising from 23% in 2023 to 51% in 2025, reflecting a deeper commitment to meaning-driven wealth.