Global art market trends and collector demographics

The global art market showed signs of recovery in 2025, with total sales reaching an estimated $59.6 billion, a 4% increase from the previous year. This growth followed two years of contraction, though total market value remained below the 2022 peak. Growth was driven by a 9% rise in public auction sales and a 2% increase in dealer and gallery sales.

Recent data from the 2026 Global Art Collector Survey and a report by Art Basel and UBS indicate a significant demographic shift, with Generation Z emerging as the highest-spending generation of collectors. In 2025 and the first half of 2026, Gen Z spending exceeded that of older generations by more than double. Specifically, Gen Z respondents aged 20 to 29 spent an average of $347,000 on fine art last year, surpassing spending by Baby Boomers and Millennials, while Gen X collectors were identified as the most frugal, averaging $79,000.

Despite being digitally native, Gen Z collectors maintain a preference for traditional categories like painting and sculpture. Approximately 40 per cent of Gen Z respondents cited family influence as their primary entry point into art collecting.

Collector behaviors continue to evolve. Gen Z collectors show a preference for privacy and are more likely to conduct independent research. Technology usage is also shifting, with the number of collectors using AI tools for research increasing from 4% in 2024 to 22% currently. Additionally, nearly half of respondents prioritize an artwork’s uniqueness and rarity over expert endorsements.