Collecting Emerging Art

Established artists bring long auction histories, broad institutional recognition and buyers in many countries. Prices are higher and the evidence is deeper, but the room for surprise, in either direction, is usually narrower.

Emerging artists offer lower entry prices and the chance to be there at the start of a career that grows. They also carry a far greater chance that the career, and the market, never develops. Neither is right for everyone, and we will help you decide which suits you.

With sought-after emerging artists, the obstacle is rarely price. It is access. Galleries often allocate new work to collectors they already know, and popular exhibitions can sell out before the doors open. An introduction from an adviser the gallery trusts, with a record of placing work with committed collectors, makes a real difference.

Some galleries ask buyers not to resell within a set period, or to offer them first refusal. We explain any such terms before you buy.

• Buy work you would be glad to own whatever happens to the market
• Follow an artist across more than one exhibition before buying
• Consider a work on paper or a smaller piece as a first purchase
• Collect several artists rather than concentrating on one
• Keep every piece of paperwork from the first day

Most emerging artists do not go on to build a strong resale market, so selling may be slow, or impossible at the price you paid. Reselling soon after buying can also cost you your standing with a gallery. The collectors who do best here think in years rather than months, and spend only what they can comfortably leave in place.

• A shortlist drawn from artists who have passed our selection criteria
• An Artist Snapshot as an economical first look
• Introductions to galleries and studios, and access to new work
• Ongoing Monitoring as the artist's career develops