Are emerging artists trending?
by Courtney Wasson, Executive Director
A guest bidding on artwork at the 42nd Annual Benefit Art Auction
In my opinion, as an artist, art collector, and non-profit arts leader, the answer is yes… always. Current market reports, such as this one from Artsy, that shares based on their market survey:
“Emerging artists—categorized as those in the earlier stages of their professional art careers—form the bedrock of both the buying habits of art collectors and the business strategies of the galleries that we surveyed.
When asked about the categories of artists they were drawn to, 72% of collectors selected emerging artists, while 69% selected established artists—defined as those that have achieved international recognition. Galleries echoed this sentiment: 51% said that emerging artists are among the two most important categories for their business, followed by established artists (45%).
Collectors are drawn to emerging artists, in part, because their early-career status often means lower artwork prices. When asked for the typical price range they consider for artworks, the highest percentage of collectors (61%) said they consider artworks priced under $5,000, followed by 38% who said they considered artworks priced between $5,000–$9,999 (respondents could select up to two price ranges).”
But what does all this truly mean?
I believe this is great news on multiple fronts - for collectors, galleries, and artists. Collectors are demonstrating confidence in their acquisitions by continuing to invest in established artists while also investing in fresh artistic talent that has yet to secure a share in the market. It showcases an interest in exploration and patronage of concept and appreciation.
It may also signal an increase in collecting art at large. Artwork by emerging artists is generally more affordable, therefore more accessible to more people.
This demand is an important catalyst in terms of opportunities for emerging artists. The market demand may encourage galleries to take risks and offer more opportunities to emerging artists.
This in turn also reinvigorates the conversation around art making by showcasing fresh voices, talent, and exploration. Again, in my opinion, that is great news.
In 2025, the walls of the Snap Space gallery were dripping with artwork.
Other trends from 2025
Here are 7 trends from 2025 according to Anny Shaw with Art Basel:
High-end Auction Consignments and Sales
“On September 17th, the auction of Pauline Karpidas’ Surrealist collection at Sotheby’s in London soared past its USD 53 million estimate to take USD 100 million (totals include fees, estimates do not), with 100 per cent of lots sold. With one sale still to go, the collection has already made its mark as an historic moment for the London art market - standing as the most valuable single-owner sale ever staged in the capital.?
Collaborations
“As more artists opt to work independently, expect to see more one-off or short-term collaborations with galleries, luxury brands, and other platforms.”
Emerging Artists
“Conventional wisdom suggests collectors retreat to tried-and-tested blue-chip art in downturns, yet the market for emerging artists – when priced judiciously – remains active. While auctions have cooled since the highs of recent boom years (Artnet reports that the ultra-contemporary market fell by 31.3% in the first half of 2025), many collectors with a less speculative approach to collecting continue to buy emerging artists.”
Female Surrealists
“2024 marked the centenary of the birth of Surrealism, and the movement’s artists continue to be a buoyant presence in the market, underscored by the success of the Karpidas auction, outlined earlier… A joint Sotheby’s and ArtTactic report published this month, shows that Surrealism’s share of the global market nearly doubled from 9.3% to 16.8% between 2018 and 2024. Women artists – still priced below their male peers and offering a lower risk entry point – have been key to this growth, recording a 411.4% increase in auction sales during the same period.”
Middle East Art Market (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
“The Middle East is currently the most closely watched region in the art market today. Christie’s and Sotheby’s launched auctions in Saudi Arabia this year, while Art Basel will debut a fair in Doha in February. These moves follow years of investment in cultural infrastructure, from the Louvre Abu Dhabi to the AlUla Arts Festival and the Islamic Arts Biennale.”
French Art Market
“Of the world’s top four art market centers, France was the only one to grow in the first half of 2025, rising by 4.7% to around USD 363.9m, according to Artnet. By comparison, the US market slipped just under 1% (to USD 2.2bn) in the first half of 2025, with marked falls also in China. Recent investment in the French capital by auction houses and mega-galleries suggests France’s upward trajectory is set to continue.”
New Museums
“Despite the economic and political headwinds, new museums continue to emerge worldwide, especially in the Gulf region, where government support is strong. The long-delayed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is now expected to open in 2026 – 20 years after the project was first announced. The Zayed National Museum, also on Saadiyat Island, is due to open in December, dedicated to the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding president of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Elsewhere, museums are embracing digital futures: German technology investor Lars Hinrichs is opening the UBS Digital Art Museum in Hamburg next year – the largest in Europe to specialize in the medium. The star attraction will be a permanent, immersive installation by the Tokyo-based international art collective Teamlab. Meanwhile, Los Angeles will host the world’s first museum dedicated to AI later this year – Dataland, founded by artist Refik Anadol, which will debut with an exhibition created using the open-source Large Nature Model.” (We should also add the Museum of Art+Light in Manhattan to this list.)
Perhaps these trends will have impact here in Kansas City in some manner. However, no matter what the current trend is, whether market-based or what-have-you, people will create art and I’m grateful the current trend supports emerging artists. Supporting emerging artists leads to the consumption of a diversity of expression and investigation. It also seems to signal that we are currently seeking something new that resonates.