Thursday, July 10, at the Deloitte Auditorium in Rome, the presentation of the new Art & Finance Report 2025 was held, a study by Deloitte Private that analyzes the performance of the art and collectibles market at an international level. The event saw the participation of industry experts, collectors, economists with a multidisciplinary discussion on the challenges and trends of the sector.
Two years of contraction and a transforming scenario
The art market has experienced a significant downturn, with a global decline of -26.2% in 2024 compared to 2023. Macroeconomic factors have played a decisive role. The Chinese real estate crisis and global geopolitical instability have been particularly impactful. Additionally, the weight of the exit of Asian capital and protectionist policies in America has been felt. The sector has suffered the backlash of two difficult years. The difficulty was undoubtedly caused by the end of the post-Covid exuberance and the expansive monetary policies that in 2022 had given a boost to collecting.
The scenarios for 2025: caution and new strategies
The first half of 2025 confirms a wait and see attitude from investors. The price of top lots is contracting, as demonstrated by the case of Alberto Giacometti, among the highest bids but far from past records. Experts indicate a return of gold as a safe haven. Even American Treasuries are losing appeal. The scenario influenced by Donald Trump’s tariffs is conditioning. The lack of confidence in exchanges is increasing. Europe, still penalized by fiscal fragmentation, fails to attract established collectors. Paris is gaining ground after Brexit at the expense of London.
The evolution of the collector: young people, tech, and alternative assets
Among the central points of the presentation, Barbara Tagliaferri and Roberta Ghilardi illustrated the rise of a new collector profile. The generational transfer of about 80,000 billion dollars is generating new buyers. The new collectors are younger, tech-savvy, and sensitive to alternative assets. Not only traditional art, but also luxury goods, photography, design, collectible bags, and sports memorabilia. In this context, the wine sales rate reaches 92%. The famous original Birkin bag by Jane Birkin was auctioned for 7 million dollars. This demonstrates how passion assets can become protagonists.
AI and creativity: the future is already here
The year 2024 was also the year of the turning point for artificial intelligence in the art market. A work generated by a robot was auctioned for over a million dollars, raising new questions about the very concept of creativity and authenticity. The connection between art and social responsibility is also strengthening, with projects that link charity and sustainability.
Round table and keynote with Emilio Isgrò
Making the evening even more valuable was the presence of the artist Emilio Isgrò, who engaged in a dialogue with Ernesto Lanzillo, Deloitte Private Leader, on art, memory, and cultural transformation. Following this, a round table was animated by authoritative voices in the sector such as Fabiana Ciafrei (Minerva4art), Cristiano Collari (Pandolfini), Sonia Farsetti (Gruppo Apollo), and Renata Cristina Mazzantini (Director GNAMC Rome), Veronica Siciliani Fendi (Galleria Continua Rome) who explored the connections between technological innovation, conservation, and new bull and bear investment models.
Deloitte Art Finance: a reference study
The study, curated by Deloitte Private in collaboration with Fideuram, positions Deloitte as a privileged observer of the international movements of the art market. Under the guidance of Ernesto Lanzillo, Barbara Tagliaferri, Roberta Ghilardi, and Pietro Ripa, the report offers a detailed and updated analysis that integrates economic vision, culture, and investment strategies.
https://www.deloitte.com/art-finance-report-2025
She has collaborated for many years with art magazines such as Artribune, XIBT Contemporary, ArtApp, Insideart and Espoarte, preferring contemporary art in its many facets and media drifts.
