GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Fine Art Industry Statistics

Fine art industry statistics can provide insights into market trends, sales performance, and the overall economic impact of the art market.

Highlights: Fine Art Industry Statistics

  • The global art market reached a total value of approximately $64.12 billion in 2019.
  • The global sales of public auctions of Fine Art decreased by 30% in 2020 compared to 2019.
  • The U.S. accounted for 44% of global market share in the fine art industry in 2019.
  • In 2019, 28% of the total value of fine art sales globally came from art fairs.
  • In the fine arts auction market, post-war and contemporary art accounted for 54% of total sales in 2020.
  • In 2019, the total worth of the Chinese fine art market was estimated at $12.9 billion.
  • Over 40% of global art and antique trade businesses were based in the United States in 2019.
  • In 2019, paintings represented 58% of fine art auction turnover.
  • The number of fine art works auctioned worldwide increased by 5% from 2018 to 2019.
  • In 2020, the share of women artists on the contemporary art auction market in value was 11%.
  • Works by French artists represented 17% of the value of the global art auction market in 2019.
  • Sales of fine art in the US market reached $29.9 billion in 2019.
  • In 2019, the United Kingdom represented a 20% share of the global art market.
  • Contemporary art auction turnover fell by 40% globally in 2020 compared to 2019.
  • E-commerce in the fine art sector grew by 72% from 2019 to 2020.
  • In 2020, 22% of global fine art auction turnover was generated by American artists.
  • In 2019, 92% of sales in the global art auction market were for less than $50,000.

Table of Contents

The Latest Fine Art Industry Statistics Explained

The global art market reached a total value of approximately $64.12 billion in 2019.

The statistic indicates that the total value of the global art market in 2019 amounted to around $64.12 billion. This figure represents the cumulative value of all art transactions worldwide during that year, encompassing sales of various types of art such as paintings, sculptures, and other forms of artistic expression. The size of the global art market provides insights into the economic significance of the art industry and its impact on various stakeholders, including artists, collectors, galleries, and auction houses. The statistic highlights the financial scale of the art market, underscoring its substantial contribution to the global economy and the cultural value attributed to art as a crucial sector within the broader market landscape.

The global sales of public auctions of Fine Art decreased by 30% in 2020 compared to 2019.

The statistic indicates that the total amount of revenue generated from public auctions of Fine Art worldwide in 2020 was 30% lower than the revenue generated in 2019. This decrease in global sales suggests that there was a significant decline in demand for fine art at public auctions during the past year. Possible reasons for this decline could include the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as financial uncertainty leading individuals to spend less on non-essential items like art, as well as disruptions to the art market due to restrictions on public gatherings and the closure of galleries and auction houses. Overall, the 30% decrease in global sales of fine art at public auctions in 2020 compared to the previous year highlights a notable trend in the art market’s performance during a challenging period.

The U.S. accounted for 44% of global market share in the fine art industry in 2019.

The statistic stating that the U.S. accounted for 44% of global market share in the fine art industry in 2019 indicates the significant presence and influence of the United States in the global art market during that year. This percentage suggests that nearly half of the world’s fine art sales and activity were attributed to the U.S., highlighting the country’s prominence and importance in the industry. Factors contributing to this high market share may include the presence of major art marketplaces and auction houses, a large number of successful artists and collectors, as well as a robust economy and high levels of artistic appreciation and investment within the country. This statistic underscores the U.S.’s role as a key player in the global fine art market in 2019.

In 2019, 28% of the total value of fine art sales globally came from art fairs.

In 2019, art fairs played a significant role in the global fine art market, accounting for 28% of the total value of fine art sales. This statistic highlights the growing importance of art fairs as key platforms for facilitating art transactions and promoting artworks to a broader audience. The ability of art fairs to attract collectors, dealers, and art enthusiasts from around the world has contributed to their increasing influence in the art market landscape. The substantial share of fine art sales generated through art fairs underscores their impact on shaping trends and driving market activity within the art industry.

In the fine arts auction market, post-war and contemporary art accounted for 54% of total sales in 2020.

In the fine arts auction market, the statistic that post-war and contemporary art accounted for 54% of total sales in 2020 indicates a significant presence and popularity of these art categories among buyers during that year. This suggests a strong demand for artworks created from the post-World War II period onwards, including the latest contemporary pieces. The high proportion of sales attributed to post-war and contemporary art highlights the market’s preference for modern and innovative artistic expressions, reflecting a trend towards a more forward-looking and cutting-edge approach to collecting art. This statistic is crucial for auction houses, art investors, collectors, and artists themselves in understanding the current market dynamics and trends in the fine arts industry.

In 2019, the total worth of the Chinese fine art market was estimated at $12.9 billion.

The statistic that the total worth of the Chinese fine art market was estimated at $12.9 billion in 2019 indicates the substantial economic value and significance of the fine art industry in China during that year. The figure highlights the scale of economic activity within the Chinese art market, suggesting significant demand for fine art pieces, investments, and transactions among collectors, institutions, and investors. This statistic not only underscores the thriving nature of the fine art market in China but also reflects the country’s increasing importance in the global art world, positioning it as a key player in the art market.

Over 40% of global art and antique trade businesses were based in the United States in 2019.

The statistic “Over 40% of global art and antique trade businesses were based in the United States in 2019” indicates that a significant portion of art and antique trade activities around the world were concentrated within the United States during that year. This suggests that the United States played a dominant role in the global art and antique market, both in terms of the number of businesses operating in this sector and the value of transactions taking place. Such a high concentration of art and antique trade businesses in the U.S. may reflect factors such as strong consumer demand, a developed market infrastructure, favorable regulations, and the presence of key industry players and institutions. This statistic highlights the country’s importance as a hub for the art and antique trade industry on a global scale.

In 2019, paintings represented 58% of fine art auction turnover.

In 2019, paintings accounted for 58% of the total amount generated from fine art auctions, reflecting a significant portion of the market’s financial activity. This statistic indicates that paintings were the leading category in terms of revenue generated at these auctions, suggesting that they were highly sought after by art collectors and investors during that period. The prominence of paintings in the fine art auction turnover highlights the continued popularity and value placed on this particular art medium within the art market landscape in 2019.

The number of fine art works auctioned worldwide increased by 5% from 2018 to 2019.

The statistic states that the total number of fine art works auctioned globally experienced a 5% increase from 2018 to 2019. This indicates a rise in the volume of fine art pieces being sold at auctions over the course of a year. Such an increase could be influenced by various factors such as growing demand for artwork, expanding art markets, or changes in art collecting trends. The 5% increment suggests a notable uptick in auction activity within the fine art market during this period, highlighting a potentially buoyant and active market for artistic pieces worldwide.

In 2020, the share of women artists on the contemporary art auction market in value was 11%.

In 2020, the statistic representing the share of women artists on the contemporary art auction market in value being 11% indicates that only a relatively small portion of the total value of art sold at auctions during that year was attributed to works by female artists. This statistic highlights a gender disparity in the art market, where women artists are underrepresented and undervalued compared to their male counterparts. The 11% figure signals a need for greater recognition and support for women artists within the industry, and points to potential systemic issues that may be influencing the visibility and success of female artists in the contemporary art market.

Works by French artists represented 17% of the value of the global art auction market in 2019.

This statistic indicates that in 2019, artworks created by French artists accounted for 17% of the total value of sales in the global art auction market. This implies that French artists were a significant player in the art market that year, with their works commanding a sizable portion of the market’s monetary value. The statistic highlights the influence and popularity of French artists within the art world during that particular year, suggesting that their creations were sought after and fetched high prices at auctions, making them a notable and valued segment of the global art market.

Sales of fine art in the US market reached $29.9 billion in 2019.

The statistic ‘Sales of fine art in the US market reached $29.9 billion in 2019’ indicates the total monetary value of fine art transactions that occurred within the United States in the year 2019. This metric provides insight into the economic significance and market size of the fine art industry in the country, highlighting the substantial financial activity and consumer demand for art pieces during that year. The figure represents the cumulative value of sales from various art forms, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and other artistic creations, reflecting the thriving and lucrative nature of the fine art market in the United States. Additionally, analyzing this statistic can offer valuable information to stakeholders, such as artists, galleries, collectors, and policymakers, to understand trends, make informed decisions, and promote the growth of the art industry.

In 2019, the United Kingdom represented a 20% share of the global art market.

The statistic ‘In 2019, the United Kingdom represented a 20% share of the global art market’ indicates that the UK accounted for a significant portion of the worldwide art market during that year. This suggests that the UK had a considerable influence on the art market in terms of sales and transactions. The 20% share suggests that the UK was a major player in the global art industry, reflecting its strong presence and activity within the market. This statistic could point to the UK’s robust art market, with high levels of art sales, auctions, galleries, and overall engagement within the international art community.

Contemporary art auction turnover fell by 40% globally in 2020 compared to 2019.

The statistic indicates that the total sales value generated from contemporary art auctions around the world decreased by 40% in 2020 when compared to the previous year, 2019. This signifies a significant decline in market activity within the contemporary art sector, likely influenced by various factors such as the global economic downturn, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the art market, and changes in consumer behavior and spending patterns. The substantial drop in auction turnover suggests a decrease in demand for contemporary art pieces and may reflect the challenges faced by the art industry during a period of economic uncertainty and restricted physical events.

E-commerce in the fine art sector grew by 72% from 2019 to 2020.

The statistic indicates that the e-commerce segment within the fine art sector experienced a substantial growth rate of 72% between the years 2019 and 2020. This significant increase suggests that more consumers are choosing to purchase fine art online, likely driven by factors such as convenience, accessibility, and possibly the shift towards digital shopping due to the global pandemic. The remarkable growth rate of 72% emphasizes the rising popularity and viability of e-commerce platforms for buying and selling art within the industry, highlighting a notable shift in consumer behavior towards online art purchasing.

In 2020, 22% of global fine art auction turnover was generated by American artists.

The statistic stating that in 2020, 22% of global fine art auction turnover was generated by American artists signifies the significant contribution of American artists to the international art market. This percentage indicates that artworks created by American artists accounted for a substantial portion of the total revenue generated from fine art auctions worldwide. The statistic suggests that American artists have a strong presence and influence in the art market, both in terms of the quality of their work and their ability to attract high bids at auction events. This data highlights the prominence of American artists in the global art scene and underscores their importance in driving the financial success of the art market as a whole.

In 2019, 92% of sales in the global art auction market were for less than $50,000.

The statistic that 92% of sales in the global art auction market in 2019 were for less than $50,000 indicates that the vast majority of art transactions during that year were for relatively lower values. This suggests that the market is dominated by a large number of transactions at the lower end of the price spectrum, likely involving less expensive artworks or pieces by emerging artists. This information could be useful for understanding the overall distribution of sales in the art auction market, highlighting the prevalence of transactions at the lower value range and potentially reflecting the accessibility of art investments to a broader audience.

Conclusion

The statistics presented reveal the ongoing growth and evolution of the fine art industry. As technology continues to play a significant role in shaping the way art is created, consumed, and monetized, artists and stakeholders alike must adapt to these changing trends in order to thrive in this dynamic market. By staying informed and proactive, individuals within the industry can leverage these statistics to make informed decisions that drive success and innovation in the world of fine art.

References

0. – https://www.www.artsy.net

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

2. – https://www.www.artbasel.com

3. – https://www.www.artprice.com

4. – https://www.www.arttactic.com

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.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!