Arttactic

In this week’s episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green is joined by James Cohan, founder of the New York gallery James Cohan. To mark the gallery’s 25th anniversary and its current exhibition All About 25, James reflects on how the gallery has evolved since 1999 and shares insights from his decades in the art world. He discusses what the market looked like in his early years, how it compares to today’s more global and digital landscape, and what it takes to build a successful gallery and support artists over the long term. James also offers thoughtful advice to collectors, especially those still developing their focus, and reflects on how to navigate slower market moments.

In this week’s episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green is joined by Maike Cruse, Director of Art Basel in Basel, to discuss what makes the fair one of the most anticipated and respected events on the global art calendar. They explore how the fair continues to set the standard for quality, why its layout and setting make it such a unique experience, and what to expect from this year’s edition. Maike also shares insights on the current mood among galleries, the growing excitement around Art Basel Paris, and the recently announced expansion into Qatar.

In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, Adam Green is joined by Annabel Keenan, art writer and author of Climate Action in the Art World: Towards a Greener Future. They discuss why sustainability has taken so long to become a real conversation in the art world, even though many individuals care deeply about the climate in their personal lives. Annabel shares insights from her research on the industry's environmental impact, from art fairs and international shipping to museum operations, and highlights meaningful steps individuals and institutions are taking to reduce their footprint.

In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green is joined by Zachary Small, culture reporter covering art for The New York Times, and Tim Schneider, founder of The Gray Market and a freelance journalist, to break down New York’s May auctions and what they reveal about the current state of the art market. While the material this season may have been mixed, the auctions offered rare transparency into buyer behavior, pricing, and market sentiment at a time of uncertainty. Adam, Zachary, and Tim explore how collectors are becoming more selective, why certain artists outperformed expectations, and how guarantees shaped many of the results. They also discuss why this moment may offer smart buying opportunities for those with conviction, and what the sales signal as we head into Art Basel and the second half of the year.

In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green is joined by Maximilíano Durón, Senior Editor at ARTnews, to break down one of the busiest New York Art Weeks in recent memory. This year, TEFAF and Independent moved up their schedules, landing in the same week as Frieze, NADA, Future, and several other fairs, creating a packed and fast-paced calendar across the city. Adam and Max discuss how this scheduling shift impacted the overall experience for galleries, collectors, and visitors. They take a close look at the current state of Frieze New York, the rising visibility of Independent and NADA in a softer market, and TEFAF’s unique role with its blend of antiquities, design, and fine art. They also assess the market sentiment coming out of the week.

In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green speaks with James Stourton, British art historian and former chairman of Sotheby’s UK, about his new book Rogues and Scholars: A History of the London Art World: 1945 to 2000. Stourton reflects on key moments that shaped the postwar British art market, including the landmark Jakob Goldschmidt auction, the rise of the buyer’s premium, and the shift in global power from London to New York. He shares insights into the long-standing rivalry between dealers and auction houses, the decline of certain collecting categories, and whether those markets can ever rebound. The conversation also touches on how larger-than-life personalities once helped define the art world and where the biggest risks and opportunities lie for the next generation.

In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green is joined by journalists Charlotte Burns and Julia Halperin to discuss The Artists Speak Report, a major new survey they authored, commissioned by Anonymous Was A Woman. Based on responses from over 1,000 female artists, the report offers a rare and essential look into how artists are navigating their careers, touching on everything from financial insecurity and institutional support to the role of community and the pressures of identity-driven work. We explore why this kind of research is so necessary in an art world that often operates in silos, where artists’ voices are too often left out of larger conversations. Charlotte and Julia walk us through how the report came together, unpack some of its most surprising findings, and reflect on what the broader art world can do to better support artists moving forward.

In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green speaks with Nora Lawrence, Executive Director of Storm King Art Center. With the museum set to reopen in May following a transformative $53 million capital project, Nora shares what visitors can expect and how these changes will impact the experience of seeing art across Storm King's 500-acre landscape. They discuss the balance between honoring the institution’s iconic permanent collection and supporting new voices in sculpture, the challenges and rewards of running an entirely outdoor museum, and current trends in large-scale outdoor sculpture. Nora also offers insights for collectors who may be considering outdoor works for their own collections and what might give them the confidence to take that step.

In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, we explore the innovative work of Art Bridges, a non-profit foundation launched by Alice Walton. Art Bridges is transforming museum partnerships by facilitating and subsidizing loans of important artworks to regional museums across the U.S. Host Adam Green speaks with Anne Kraybill, CEO of Art Bridges, about the foundation's mission, challenges in the museum loan process, and how Art Bridges is helping to bring major works of art to communities nationwide. From success stories to the latest trends in museum collaborations, this episode delves into the evolving landscape of museum partnerships and access to art.

In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green is joined by Robert Sleigh, founder of Robert Sleigh Consulting and a veteran of the Hong Kong art market, to unpack the latest developments in China’s art scene. They discuss the mood and market activity at Art Basel Hong Kong, the results of the recent major auctions, and the broader state of the art market in the region. Robert also shares insights on shifting collector behavior, from short-term speculation to a more long-term approach, and how millennial and Gen Z buyers are influencing collecting trends. They also explore how rising art hubs like Seoul and Singapore are challenging Hong Kong’s role in the region and what that means for the future.

In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green is joined by Rosie Allan, Managing Partner at Sophie Macpherson Ltd, the leading recruitment firm for the global art market. Together, they unpack findings from the newly released SML Art Market Talent Report 2025, produced in collaboration with ArtTactic. They discuss how macroeconomic uncertainty is shaping hiring trends, the push for greater pay transparency, and the most valuable skills for advancing in today’s art world. Rosie also shares advice for young professionals hoping to land their first role, and what employers are really looking for in candidates.

In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, Adam Green is joined by Josh Spero, Wealth Editor at the Financial Times, to discuss the rapidly evolving art lending market, now estimated to be worth around $40 billion. Despite being a relatively niche segment of the art market, art-backed loans have attracted attention from traditional banks, auction houses, and boutique firms. Josh explains the unexpected rise of margin calls in this sector, exploring what triggers them, how lenders are responding, and what it could mean for the broader art market. They also discuss how rising interest rates are impacting demand for art-backed loans and where the industry may be heading in the coming years.

In this week’s episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, Adam Green speaks with Mazdak Sanii, CEO of Avant Arte, one of the most fascinating success stories in the art market’s print sector over the past several years. What began as an online art community quickly evolved into a powerhouse platform for publishing limited-edition prints by both emerging and established artists. Mazdak shares the story behind Avant Arte’s founding and its evolution, explaining how the company has attracted a remarkable roster of collaborating artists, including Ed Ruscha, George Condo, Anish Kapoor, Ai Weiwei, Elizabeth Peyton, and Mickalene Thomas. He also discusses how Avant Arte has successfully differentiated itself in an increasingly saturated market by enhancing the collector experience and building a strong community around the platform. Adam and Mazdak delve into how collector behavior has shifted over the past few years, from the speculative frenzy of flipping to a more thoughtful and measured approach. They also explore key i

In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green is joined by David Breslin, the Leonard A. Lauder Curator in Charge of the Department of Modern and Contemporary Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, to discuss the museum’s evolving approach to modern and contemporary art. With The Met recently announcing a major expansion of its modern and contemporary art wing, adding 70,000 square feet of new gallery and public space, David shares insight into what this transformation will look like and how it will reshape the way the museum presents modern and contemporary works. Adam and David also explore The Met’s increased focus on acquiring and displaying contemporary artists, the evolving relationship between modern art and the museum’s encyclopedic collection, and how curators navigate the influence of collectors and the art market when making acquisitions. Plus, David highlights some of the exciting exhibitions currently on view and upcoming at The Met.

In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green is joined by Alex Gartenfeld, Artistic Director of ICA Miami, to discuss the museum’s rapid rise as one of the most influential contemporary art institutions in the U.S. Alex shares insights into ICA Miami’s ambitious acquisition strategy, its deep engagement with both Miami-based and global collectors, and how the city’s evolving cultural landscape has shaped the museum’s growth. With Art Basel Miami Beach cementing the city’s status as a global art hub, ICA Miami’s exhibition openings have become some of the most highly attended events during fair week. Alex reflects on the museum’s relationship with the fair and how it drives visibility and programming. We also preview ICA Miami’s upcoming Evening in the Garden gala on March 8, including its benefit auction featuring works by Claire Tabouret, Robin F. Williams, Hugh Hayden, Ken Gun Min, Lauren Quin, and more. As a member of the auction committee, Adam shares how listeners can bid on works and

In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green is joined by Artnet News Senior Market Reporter Eileen Kinsella to recap Frieze LA 2025. We discuss the fair’s overall atmosphere, how the recent wildfires impacted both attendance and the local art community, and the debate over whether the event should have proceeded as planned. We also highlight major fundraising efforts by galleries to support those affected. From a market perspective, we analyze key sales trends, the growing selectivity among buyers, and which artists and galleries saw the strongest demand. Beyond the fair, we dive into the importance of gallery exhibitions across the city, with standout shows like Kelly Akashi at Lisson Gallery, Lisa Yuskavage at David Zwirner, and Kohn Gallery’s 40th-anniversary exhibition. Finally, we reflect on the significance of Frieze LA for the city’s evolving art landscape and its growing influence within the broader U.S. market.

In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green is joined by Nicole Sales Giles, Vice President and Director of Digital Art at Christie’s, to explore the rapidly evolving but still niche sector of the art world, AI-generated art. As Christie’s prepares to launch Augmented Intelligence, its first dedicated AI art auction (running from February 20-March 5), we take a deep dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the art market. We discuss the fundamentals of AI-generated art, its evolution since Christie’s historic 2018 sale of an AI portrait, and the significance of this auction in positioning AI art within the fine art landscape. Nicole shares insights into collector interest, the mix of digital and physical works in the sale, and how AI art is being received by traditional collectors vs. NFT buyers. The conversation also addresses some of the pressing ethical debates surrounding AI-generated art, including a recent open letter raising concerns about the use of copyrighted material

As Frieze LA and Felix Art Fair approach, the Los Angeles art scene is at a pivotal moment. The recent fires have impacted galleries, artists, and collectors, raising questions about how the community is recovering and whether visitors will return for the city's biggest art week. In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green sits down with Mills Moran, co-founder of Felix Art Fair, to discuss how the LA art world is bouncing back, the decision to move forward with Felix despite the challenges, and why it’s more important than ever for people to show up and support the city’s galleries and artists. Mills also shares insights into how Felix has evolved since its inception in 2019, the growing appeal of alternative fair models, and what’s in store for this year’s edition at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green speaks with Ashkan Baghestani, SVP and Head of Contemporary Day Sale at Sotheby’s, about the auction house’s inaugural sale in Saudi Arabia, Origins, taking place on February 8. Ashkan discusses the factors behind Sotheby’s expansion into this growing market, how Saudi Arabia’s cultural scene compares to other Middle Eastern hubs, and the strategy behind curating a sale that blends fine art, sports memorabilia, watches, jewelry, and handbags. He also shares insights into how Sotheby’s is engaging both seasoned and emerging collectors in the region and what trends are shaping the Saudi art market. Finally, Ashkan provides a broader look at Sotheby’s long-term vision for the Middle East and whether the recent investment from Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, ADQ, plays a role in shaping the auction house’s future in the region.

In this episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green speaks with Kelly Baum, the John and Mary Pappajohn Director of the Des Moines Art Center. Formerly a curator of contemporary art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Kelly made a bold move from New York to Iowa to take on the leadership of one of the country’s most dynamic regional museums. We discuss what motivated her decision to leave the Met, the unique history and vision of the Des Moines Art Center, and how the institution has built an exceptional collection by embracing risk-taking and innovation. Kelly shares insights into the transition from curator to director, the opportunities and challenges of leading a museum outside a major art hub, and the ways she’s working to maintain a strong local presence while ensuring the museum remains visible on the national stage. She also offers a preview of exciting upcoming exhibitions and reflects on what has surprised her most about Iowa’s art community.