Art Business Conference Takeaways
The Art Business Conference in London this year highlighted important trends and shifts that will significantly impact talent and recruitment in the art world. For those in the commercial art sector, understanding these insights will help align hiring strategies and identify opportunities for talent acquisition in a rapidly evolving market.
Female Artists Continue to Rise
A key takeaway from the “Art finance in a challenging market” panel was the continued rise of female artists, a trend that has been gaining momentum. This indicates that galleries, auction houses, and other art-related businesses will increasingly seek curatorial, sales, and marketing talent who are well-versed in promoting and representing female artists. The need for professionals who understand the nuances of supporting this segment of the market will continue to grow as demand rises.
The Art Market is in a ‘Correction’ – But Opportunities Abound
Several panelists, including Dr. Roman Kräussl (Bayes Business School) and Harco van den Oever (Overstone), shared insights into the current state of the art market. Despite being in a correction phase, there’s optimism about future growth, with Alessandro de Stasio of Artscapy highlighting that this is a “time of opportunity.” The implication for recruitment is clear: commercial art businesses need to find professionals who can navigate a fluctuating market. Roles in strategic advisory, art finance, and deal-making expertise are becoming increasingly critical as businesses look to capitalize on new market opportunities.
Sustainability and Innovation in the Auction Market
The breakout session on the resilience of the UK auction market discussed how sustainability is an underutilized yet crucial marketing tool. With younger generations increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly practices, there will be a growing demand for professionals who can integrate sustainable approaches into the auction market. This also opens up recruitment opportunities for experts in green marketing, sustainability consulting, and auction operations. The integration of technology, like the widely-used Art Brain aggregator, also signals the importance of digital talent skilled in AI, data aggregation, and online marketing platforms.
Luxury Market and Collectibles – Emerging Categories
The resilience of the auction market also hinges on tapping into the luxury segment, as highlighted by Stephan Ludwig (Dreweatts & Forum Auctions). Categories like jewellery, watches, fashion, and even wine are emerging as fast-growing sectors, driven in part by the use of influencers. For recruiters, this underscores the need to focus on luxury market specialists with expertise in niche categories. Sales professionals with an understanding of the cultural drivers behind these segments will be in high demand.
The Expanding Print Market – New Skills Required
Unlimited editions, as discussed in the panel “Collecting and accessibility: Editions”, are disrupting the sector and challenging traditional business models, sparking concern among print galleries about the impact this will have on the artist’s secondary market. As the print market evolves, businesses will need talent with skills in both online and offline sales strategies. There may be increased demand for digital marketers, e-commerce experts, and professionals capable of building robust client relationships in this hybrid market.
Education and Art History – The Need for Talent Development
Art education remains a concern, according to the panel “Building on the unique strengths of the UK art market”. Mark Hallett (The Courtauld) shared statistics revealing a worrying decline in schools offering art history courses, which could lead to a skills gap in the future. A focus on fostering young talent and working closely with educational institutions to encourage students to consider careers in the art world will be increasingly important in the coming years.
Sir Chris Bryant MP: A Call for Creative Growth and Talent Development in the UK
Sir Chris Bryant MP highlighted the crucial role of the creative industries in driving economic growth and cultural development in the UK, emphasizing the need for improved art education, viable career paths, and a tax relief system to attract private finance. His call for better career pathways and philanthropic structures underscores the growing demand for professionals in nonprofit development, cultural finance, and arts management. Additionally, Bryant’s encouragement for public trustee roles signals upcoming leadership opportunities, emphasizing the need for strategic vision and governance expertise in the evolving commercial art sector.
A Shifting Market, A Time for Talent Acquisition
