How is art collecting evolving? The Art Basel & UBS 2025 Global Survey on Collecting

The art market is currently undergoing a significant structural shift, marked by the emergence of a new generation of collectors whose tastes, perspectives, and expectations do not necessarily align with those of previous generations.

Maddie Hampton, Associate Director of the London-New York-based Art Advisory Firm Beaumont Nathan, has also noted, “A great number of art collections are in the process of turning over, and this transition moment offers the crucial opportunity to expand tastes, widen lenses, and form different and novel juxtapositions. “

The recently released Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting 2025, edited by cultural economist Dr. Clare McAndrew and presented yesterday in Paris, focuses on younger collectors (Millennials and Gen Z) as well as female collectors, providing fresh insights to better understand this evolution.

The survey encompassed approximately 3,100 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) across ten major markets: the US, UK, China, Hong Kong, France, Switzerland, Germany, Brazil, Japan, and Singapore.

Unfortunately, Italy, whose art market represents only 2% of the global distribution, was not included in the survey.

The findings analyzed spending habits, purchasing channels, motivations, and collecting preferences.

Here are some key points:

- Wealth Allocation: On average, collectors allocate 20% of their wealth to art, with the largest share dedicated to painting. There is also a notable increase in interest in other media, such as sculpture, photography, and digital art.

- Broader Interests: Both Millennials and Gen Z exhibit a wider interest in cross-collecting, which includes categories beyond visual arts, such as luxury goods, design, and lifestyle collectibles like sports memorabilia.

- The Rise of Female Collectors: Women collectors are increasingly making their mark in the art market, spending 46% more than their male counterparts, particularly in support of female artists.

- Experiential Collecting: Collecting is becoming more experiential and conversational, with 58% of buyers reporting that they preferred to purchase art at fairs. This trend suggests that the experience around buying art - the context, the interaction with art dealers, artists and other collectors, - is becoming just as important as the artwork to bring home.

- Long-Term Vision: Many collectors are adopting a long-term perspective, viewing their art holdings not just as investments but as legacies to be shared with future generations. This approach emphasizes the importance of storytelling, cultural significance, and personal connection to the artworks, fostering a deeper appreciation for art as a vital part of cultural heritage.