GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Art Industry Statistics

Art Industry Statistics provide valuable insights into the economic impact, trends, and consumer behavior within the art market.

Highlights: Art Industry Statistics

  • The art market was worth $64.12 billion in 2019.
  • Online sales of art significantly improved by 4% to reach $4.82 billion in 2019.
  • China has the highest market share in the art industry with 34%, followed by the United States with 29%.
  • 89% of all online art sales are below $50,000.
  • The largest segment of art buyers (45%) are aged between 40-59.
  • Millennials represented a 8% share of high end auction buyers in 2019.
  • 78% of the works sold at public auctions in 2018 were for less than $5,000.
  • 16% of artists around the world earn no money from their art.
  • The art industry employs nearly 3.1 million people in visual arts enterprises in the U.S.
  • Only around 2% of total global art sales is accounted for by contemporary art.
  • Private museums own 52% of all art worldwide.
  • An estimated 40 million transactions occurred in the global art market in 2016.
  • In 2020, the total value of art auction sales worldwide amounted to $10.28 billions.
  • In 2017, a painting by prolific artist Leonardo da Vinci, "Salvator Mundi," set the world record for the most expensive artwork ever sold at $450.3 million.
  • In 2019, the art industry saw a decline of 5% in the global art and antiques market sales.
  • In 2020, the share of female artists in the art world was around 2.4% globally.

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The Latest Art Industry Statistics Explained

The art market was worth $64.12 billion in 2019.

The statistic “The art market was worth $64.12 billion in 2019” indicates the total estimated value of transactions within the global art market for the year 2019. This figure encompasses the total value of sales of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other forms of art. The size of the art market reflects the demand and supply dynamics within the industry, encompassing sales through various channels such as art galleries, auction houses, art fairs, and online platforms. The statistic provides insight into the economic significance and scale of the art market, highlighting its role as a substantial industry that contributes to the global economy.

Online sales of art significantly improved by 4% to reach $4.82 billion in 2019.

The statistic indicates that there was a noticeable increase in online sales of art by 4% in 2019, reaching a total of $4.82 billion. This suggests a growing trend of consumers purchasing art through online channels. The 4% improvement indicates a positive trend in the market, reflecting increasing interest and confidence among consumers in purchasing art online. The substantial monetary value of $4.82 billion demonstrates the significant economic impact of online art sales, highlighting the importance of the online platform as a key player in the art market. This statistic signifies a shifting landscape in the art industry towards digital platforms and signals potential opportunities for growth and expansion in the online art market.

China has the highest market share in the art industry with 34%, followed by the United States with 29%.

The statistic indicates that China holds the highest market share in the art industry, accounting for 34% of the global market, followed closely by the United States with a market share of 29%. This suggests that China and the United States are the leading players in the global art market, collectively representing a significant portion of the industry. The higher market share of China may be attributed to various factors such as its growing economy, increasing investment in the arts, and cultural significance. The United States, on the other hand, remains a major player with a substantial market share, reflecting its longstanding history of art production and consumption. The statistic highlights the competitive landscape of the art industry and the dominance of these two countries in shaping its dynamics.

89% of all online art sales are below $50,000.

This statistic indicates that the overwhelming majority, 89%, of art sales conducted online involve pieces that are priced at $50,000 or lower. This suggests that the online art market caters to a broad range of buyers, including those with more modest budgets. The data implies that higher-priced artworks are less commonly sold online, potentially reflecting the preferences of online art buyers or the challenges associated with selling expensive art through digital platforms. Overall, the statistic highlights the accessibility and diversity of the online art market, with a significant focus on artworks priced at $50,000 or below.

The largest segment of art buyers (45%) are aged between 40-59.

The statistic indicates that the majority of art buyers, comprising 45% of the total, are within the age group of 40 to 59 years old. This suggests that individuals in their middle age are the most significant demographic segment actively engaging in purchasing art. These individuals may have reached a stage in their lives where they have the financial capacity and interest to invest in art for personal enjoyment, cultural appreciation, or even as a financial asset. Understanding the age distribution of art buyers is crucial for art sellers and marketers to tailor their strategies and offerings to cater effectively to the preferences and buying behaviors of this demographic group.

Millennials represented a 8% share of high end auction buyers in 2019.

The statistic that Millennials represented an 8% share of high-end auction buyers in 2019 suggests that individuals born between approximately 1981 and 1996 made up a modest portion of the buyer demographic for luxury items sold at auctions during that year. This data point provides insight into the purchasing behavior of Millennials within the high-end market segment, indicating that while they comprised a small portion compared to other generations, they still contributed to the overall demand for luxury goods at auction events. This statistic may be of interest to businesses and marketers looking to target this generation for luxury products or services, as it highlights Millennials as a niche but potentially valuable market segment within the high-end auction industry.

78% of the works sold at public auctions in 2018 were for less than $5,000.

The statistic indicates that in 2018, the majority of the works sold at public auctions, accounting for 78% of the total, were sold for less than $5,000. This suggests that a significant portion of the artworks auctioned off that year were relatively inexpensive, falling into the lower price range. This information provides insight into the pricing and market dynamics of the artworks being sold at public auctions in 2018, indicating that there was a high prevalence of works being sold at a relatively affordable price point, potentially catering to a wider range of buyers with varying budgets.

16% of artists around the world earn no money from their art.

The statistic that 16% of artists around the world earn no money from their art indicates a concerning trend in the financial sustainability of artists globally. This figure suggests that a significant portion of artists are struggling to make a living from their creative pursuits, which could have detrimental effects on their ability to continue producing art and contribute to cultural enrichment. The statistic underscores the importance of addressing issues such as fair compensation for artists, access to funding and resources, and support for the arts sector as a whole to ensure that artists can thrive and continue to share their talents with the world.

The art industry employs nearly 3.1 million people in visual arts enterprises in the U.S.

The statistic that the art industry employs nearly 3.1 million people in visual arts enterprises in the U.S. highlights the significant impact of the visual arts sector on the country’s economy and labor market. This statistic signifies the widespread employment opportunities available within the visual arts field, which encompasses a wide range of roles including artists, designers, curators, gallery owners, and art administrators. The substantial workforce engaged in visual arts enterprises not only contributes to the cultural richness of society but also plays a crucial role in generating revenue, fostering creativity, and driving innovation. Overall, this statistic underscores the importance of the visual arts industry as a major contributor to job creation and economic growth in the U.S.

Only around 2% of total global art sales is accounted for by contemporary art.

This statistic indicates that contemporary art, which includes artwork produced by living artists or created in recent years, makes up a relatively small portion of the total global art market, representing only around 2% of total art sales. This suggests that the majority of art sales are still driven by traditional and historical works of art rather than contemporary pieces. Factors such as the established reputation of certain artists, historical significance of older artworks, and investment potential play a role in driving sales in the art market. Despite its smaller market share, contemporary art continues to be a significant and influential part of the art world, providing opportunities for emerging artists and reflecting current cultural trends and artistic expressions.

Private museums own 52% of all art worldwide.

This statistic indicates that the majority of the world’s art collections are held by private museums, representing 52% of the total art ownership globally. Private museums, as opposed to public or government-run institutions, are managed and financed by individuals or organizations. These private museums play a significant role in preserving, exhibiting, and disseminating cultural heritage and artistic expressions. The high percentage of art owned by private museums underscores their influence in shaping the art market, cultural discourse, and public access to art collections worldwide.

An estimated 40 million transactions occurred in the global art market in 2016.

The statistic stating that an estimated 40 million transactions occurred in the global art market in 2016 refers to the total number of buying and selling activities that took place within that particular industry during that year. This figure indicates the level of economic activity within the art market and highlights the significant scale of transactions that occurred. It provides insight into the volume of artworks changing hands, the frequency of buying and selling, and the overall dynamism of the art market in 2016. Such data is valuable for evaluating the size and scope of the global art market, understanding trends in art consumption and investment, as well as for assessing the economic impact and importance of the art industry on a global scale.

In 2020, the total value of art auction sales worldwide amounted to $10.28 billions.

In 2020, the total value of art auction sales worldwide reaching $10.28 billion reflects the significant economic impact and growth of the art market. This statistic highlights the substantial demand for art pieces across different categories and periods, as well as the global reach of art auctions. The figure underscores the importance of art as a valuable commodity and investment, with collectors and investors participating in auctions around the world to acquire and trade artworks. The robust sales in the art market also indicate the resilience and adaptability of the industry in navigating challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing its ability to thrive and evolve in changing circumstances.

In 2017, a painting by prolific artist Leonardo da Vinci, “Salvator Mundi,” set the world record for the most expensive artwork ever sold at $450.3 million.

In 2017, the painting “Salvator Mundi” by renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci made history by becoming the most expensive artwork ever sold, fetching an astonishing $450.3 million at auction. This statistic encapsulates not only the immense value placed on da Vinci’s masterpieces but also the demand and investment potential in the art market. The record-breaking sale of “Salvator Mundi” highlights the enduring appeal and cultural significance of da Vinci’s works, as well as the willingness of collectors and buyers to pay astronomical amounts for rare and iconic pieces of art. This extraordinary sale further solidifies da Vinci’s status as a legendary artist whose influence continues to resonate across the globe, making a profound impact on the art world and the perception of artistic value.

In 2019, the art industry saw a decline of 5% in the global art and antiques market sales.

The statistic “In 2019, the art industry saw a decline of 5% in the global art and antiques market sales” indicates that the total revenue generated from the sales of art and antiques across the world decreased by 5% compared to the previous year. This decline suggests that there was reduced demand for art and antiques products in 2019, which could be attributed to various factors such as economic downturns, shifting consumer preferences, or geopolitical uncertainties. The 5% decrease in sales signifies a noteworthy shift in the market dynamics of the art industry, highlighting the need for stakeholders to closely monitor and adapt to changing trends to sustain growth and profitability in the sector.

In 2020, the share of female artists in the art world was around 2.4% globally.

The statistic indicating that the share of female artists in the art world was around 2.4% globally in 2020 suggests a notably low representation of women in the art industry. This statistic implies that, out of all artists worldwide, only a small fraction are female. The disparity in gender representation in the art world can have implications for diversity, equality, and inclusion within the industry, potentially leading to barriers for female artists to gain recognition, opportunities, and success compared to their male counterparts. Addressing and improving upon this gender imbalance is crucial for promoting gender equality and providing equal opportunities for all artists to thrive and contribute their unique perspectives to the art community.

References

0. – https://www.en.unesco.org

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

2. – https://www.news.artnet.com

3. – https://www.www.hiscox.co.uk

4. – https://www.www.auctionclub.com

5. – https://www.www.visualarts.net.au

6. – https://www.www.americansforthearts.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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