The Art Business

Hosted by David Bellingham

Arts Design

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Art Business is a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to talking about both cultural and business aspects of the art world with some of its key players. It is hosted by Dr David Bellingham, Programme Director of the MA in Art Business at Sotheby‘s Institute of Art London.

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60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 8659 min

From Instagram to the Fairground: Inside Treasure House with Michalina Franasik

In this episode David Bellingham interviews Michalina Maria Franasik, an MA Art Business graduate who now works as Communications Manager for the Treasure House Art Fair in London and as creative director of a contemporary art space in Lodz, Poland. They discuss: Michalina’s transition from business studies to the art world; her use of social media and content creation to learn and make connections; and practical career advice for graduates. The conversation covers behind-the-scenes logistics of staging Treasure House at the Royal Hospital Chelsea (24–30 June), the role of art fairs in a digital and sustainability-conscious age, and trends in antiques, decorative arts and small boutique fairs. Michalina also describes her work representing Polish artists and upcoming exhibition projects that bridge Polish and UK audiences. Listeners will hear actionable tips on networking (attending previews, speaking to exhibitors), the value of experience in smaller organisations, and how digital storytelling and consistent, genuine content can open professional doors in the cultural sector. Links: https://www.treasurehousefair.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michalina-maria-franasik-597849249/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/kantor-sztuki/ music ‘Baby, I Miss The Internet’ (Rama, Rama, Rama) by TOT TAYLOR is used by kind permission of the artist ©Tot Taylor/Songmatic Music (2020)

June 4, 2026Episode 8557 min

Inside Art Risk: Protecting Treasured Collections with Blythe Hogan

In this episode David Bellingham welcomes back alumna Blythe Hogan, Vice President and Senior Director of Art & Collections Practice at Aon Private Risk Management. They explore Blythe’s journey from studying art history to nearly two decades specializing in art insurance, risk management and collection strategy for private collectors and family offices. Topics covered include how fine art insurance works (scheduled vs blanket policies and retail replacement values), common collector misconceptions, valuation and provenance, emergency planning, transit and storage risks, climate and catastrophe considerations, and the role of technology and AI in modern risk assessment. Blythe shares practical examples and anecdotes, discusses the evolving global market and logistics of works on the move, and offers career advice for young professionals interested in interdisciplinary art careers. Listeners will learn what to expect in protecting valuable collections, the importance of proactive risk management and documentation, and how leadership and trusted relationships shape success in this niche field.

May 21, 2026Episode 841 hr 4 min

Inside Today's Art Market: Power, Money and the Players Who Shape it - with Georgina Adam

Georgina Adam, editor‑at‑large of The Art Newspaper and author of multiple books about decades of change in the global art market, joins the show to discuss the forces reshaping how at is bought, sold and valued today. We explore the shift from antiques to contemporary art, the rise of private museums, and the evolution of auction practices including guarantees, white‑glove sales and pre‑auction arrangements. We also look at transparency, market opacity, and the growing overlap between art and luxury goods. Key insights include regional market dynamics (China, India and the Middle East); the influence of mega‑galleries and collectors on cultural value; how younger collectors prioritize identity, social media and experiences; and both the concerns and reasons for optimism about the future of the art world.

April 23, 2026Episode 831 hr 7 min

Home as Gallery: Inside the Wolf Collective’s Intimate Art World

In this episode of the Art Business Podcast David Bellingham, Programme Director of the MA Art Business, Sotheby's Institute of Art, visits the Wolf Collective, a curatorial platform run from the co-founders’ modernist home in Primrose Hill. Guests Lupe Sanchez, a curator and advisor with experience in blue-chip galleries and deep ties to Japanese craft traditions, and architect/developer Iain Pattie discuss how their domestic space has evolved into an intimate exhibition platform. The current solo presentation by Chicago-based artist Jaclyn Mednicov , whose ceramics, prints and installations reflect long periods of research in Japan, anchors the conversation. Topics covered include: the practical and emotional value of showing art in a lived-in home rather than a white-cube gallery; how architecture and natural light shape viewer experience; programming that blends music and performance with exhibitions; curatorial relationships rooted in long-term support; and the social dynamics of invitation-based shows. Lupe and Iain explain why intimacy, community, and multisensory experiences guide their model, how it complements (and differs from) commercial galleries and fairs, and what the Wolf Collective offers artists and local audiences. Listeners can expect reflections on artistic process, cross-cultural collaboration, the economics and sustainability of private home galleries, and the ways small, intentional spaces can shift values around attention, care and community in the contemporary art world. The Wolf Collective’s exhibitions are open by appointment; the current Jaclyn Mednicov show runs into late summer. Links: https://www.madeinbed.co.uk/emerging-artists/imprints-fragments-reliefs-jaclyn-mednicov?rq=jaclyn%20mednicov https://cabanamagazine.com/blogs/atlas-of-craftsmanship/jaclyn-mednicov-multi-disciplinary-artist?_pos=1&_sid=a04cfbf27&_ss=r music ‘Baby, I Miss The Internet’ (Rama, Rama, Rama) by TOT TAYLOR is used by kind permission of the artist ©Tot Taylor/Songmatic Music (2020)

April 9, 2026Episode 8258 min

Narrative Framing: How an MA Art Business Mentor Shaped an Emerging Artist’s Portfolio

In this episode of the Art Business Podcast, host David speaks with Alisa Demchenko, an MA Art Business (Sotheby’s Institute, London) graduand, and Nilanjan Das, a printmaker and PhD artist from Bhubaneswar, NE India, about their optional TAF (The Arts Family) collaboration. They discuss Alisa’s dissertation on AI in art valuation and personalization, and how algorithmic visibility shapes how emerging artists present their work online. The conversation explores Nilanjan’s practice—serigraphy, cyanotype and concrete-board works that investigate public space, plant life, urban beautification and power structures—and how Elisa supported him with portfolio sequencing, narrative framing, artist statements, gallery research and strategic positioning for both UK and Indian contexts. Key takeaways include practical mentorship methods (regular remote meetings, clarity over reinvention), ethical boundaries for art-business professionals, the importance of artist statements and sequencing, and steps for presenting to galleries and curators. The episode closes with next steps, contact handles (LinkedIn for Alisa, Instagram for Nilanjan) and actionable advice for emerging artists and arts professionals. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisa-demchenko-bb24ab235/ https://www.instagram.com/nelvsnel/?hl=en https://www.theartsfamily.com/artists/nilanjan-das music ‘Baby, I Miss The Internet’ (Rama, Rama, Rama) by TOT TAYLOR is used by kind permission of the artist ©Tot Taylor/Songmatic Music (2020)

March 9, 2026Episode 811 hr 8 min

Bridging Intuition and Data: How AI Is Shaping the Primary Art Market with Shahane Hakobyan, Founder of ARTanalyst

Dr. David Bellingham speaks with Shahane Hakobyan, MA Art Business alumna and founder/CEO of ARTanalyst, about her journey from artist to gallery director to tech entrepreneur. They discuss the fragmented nature of art market data, the value of measuring financial, cultural and social indicators, and how ARTanalyst’s AI-driven platform helps galleries connect internal CRM and inventory data with external signals (auctions, press, social) to generate actionable insights, KPIs and meeting prep. They cover lessons from Art Dubai and Galerie Kornfeld, building and testing measurement frameworks, ethical data use and security, and the practical benefits of bringing analytics to the primary market. Shahane shares advice for emerging professionals, challenges of fundraising and adoption, and her vision for a networked, collaborative art ecosystem. Links: Website: https://artanalyst.ai/ Gallery Centric-Demo (where you can try and test some of the features): https://app.artanalyst.ai/assistant music ‘Baby, I Miss The Internet’ (Rama, Rama, Rama) by TOT TAYLOR is used by kind permission of the artist ©Tot Taylor/Songmatic Music (2020)

December 17, 2025Episode 801 hr 3 min

Bliss on the Fourth Floor: Building a New Warsaw Gallery

We meet guests Kasia Piszkos (Art Director) and Lukasz Sinitsyn (Gallery Manager) live from Warsaw to discuss the founding of Bliss Gallery earlier in 2025, the meaning behind its name, and its location in a historic fourth‑floor apartment. They outline the gallery’s curatorial focus on abstraction and minimalism and describe standout shows such as Hydrofornia and Material Tendencies, plus their presentation of Urszula Bról at Artissima. The episode covers: practical gallery logistics (including installing water on an upper floor!); Warsaw’s gallery ecology and Warsaw Gallery Weekend; strategies for art fairs (Vienna, Artissima) and growing international ambitions; the role of social media; and plans to revisit overlooked Polish artists and collaborate with foreign curators. Links: https://blissgallery.pl/en/home/ @bliss_warsaw music ‘Baby, I Miss The Internet’ (Rama, Rama, Rama) by TOT TAYLOR is used by kind permission of the artist ©Tot Taylor/Songmatic Music (2020)

November 25, 2025Episode 7954 min

From Family Legacy to Global Vision: Inside Waddington Custot Gallery

David Bellingham speaks with Victor Custot and Carmen Hu of Waddington Custot Gallery about continuing a 70-year family legacy, the gallery’s curatorial identity, and their approaches to artist representation and international engagement. They discuss the gallery’s focus on technical excellence, relationships with artist estates (including Peter Blake and Barry Flanagan), and recent contemporary exhibitions such as Qiong Er and textile artist Kenia Almaraz Murillo. The hosts also cover operational choices, including reconfiguring the reception to highlight artworks, and the role of gallery staff and technicians in executing ambitious shows. Victor and Carmen reflect on trends in collector behaviour post-pandemic, the importance of art fairs, online sales dynamics, and generational shifts in collecting. They share advice for MA Art Business students on finding a niche, being curious, and building long-term professional relationships. Listeners are invited to visit the gallery on Cork Street and follow updates at waddingtoncustot.com. music ‘Baby, I Miss The Internet’ (Rama, Rama, Rama) by TOT TAYLOR is used by kind permission of the artist ©Tot Taylor/Songmatic Music (2020)

November 18, 2025Episode 7852 min

Art, Luxury and Market Power: Natasha Degen on the Future of Sotheby's Institute of Art New York

Join host Dr David Bellingham, Programme Director of the MA in Art Business at Sotheby’s Institute of Art London, and guest Dr. Natasha Degen, incoming Director of Sotheby’s Institute of Art New York (January 2026), Chair of Art Market Studies at FIT, and author of The Market and Merchants of Style, for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolving art market and the future of art education. Natasha outlines her academic and professional journey from Princeton to China, the UK and New York, explaining what drew her to study the market side of art and how interdisciplinary training shaped her approach. She reflects on leading the MA in Art Market Studies at FIT, the challenges of curriculum design and the balance between academic rigour and practical vocational training for students seeking careers across galleries, auction houses, museums, fashion and luxury. The episode surveys major market shifts of the last decade: the impact of the 2008 financial crisis, China’s rise and contraction, and the pandemic’s role as an accelerator for digital sales, NFTs and online auctions. Natasha and David discuss globalization’s new phase, the rising cost of doing art business, and how auction houses have diversified into luxury, increasingly relying on luxury sales to offset fine art volatility. They explore the deepening convergence of art and fashion, from Warhol and Paul Poiret to contemporary brand collaborations, and consider how luxury houses and cultural institutions are reshaping value and taste. The conversation also tackles digital platforms, NFTs, and social media as new routes to recognition that have fractured traditional dealer-critic pathways. Natasha shares her vision for Sotheby’s Institute New York: strengthening academic programming, launching new offerings (including an MA in Luxury Business), leveraging ties with the auction house, and cultivating a close-knit, interdisciplinary student community. Ethics, law, sustainability, diversity and repatriation debates are highlighted as central topics that should be re-integrated into art-business curricula. Practical advice for students and early-career professionals focuses on identifying what excites you, playing to your strengths, being open to entrepreneurial paths, and recognizing the breadth of careers available, from studio management and logistics to artist representation and brand partnerships. Natasha concludes with a reading recommendation (Mary Davis’s Paul Poiret: Inventing Modern Luxury) and reflections on the continuing importance of fieldwork and international exposure despite environmental and ethical trade-offs. Expect an informed, candid and interdisciplinary conversation that bridges history, theory and market practice: essential listening for students, curators, collectors and anyone tracking the intersections of art, fashion, luxury and digital innovation. music ‘Baby, I Miss The Internet’ (Rama, Rama, Rama) by TOT TAYLOR is used by kind permission of the artist ©Tot Taylor/Songmatic Music (2020)

October 19, 2025Episode 7750 min

From Christie's to Clicks: Charlotte Stewart on Modernizing the Prints Market

Welcome to the Art Business Podcast with David Bellingham. In this episode David speaks with Charlotte Stewart, Managing Director of MyArtBroker, about her non‑traditional route into the art world, her decade at Christie’s, and the digital pivot that led her to help build a leading online prints and editions brokerage. Charlotte describes how editorial storytelling and business management skills learned in traditional auction-house roles have shaped her approach to marketing, valuation and running a profitable tech-enabled business. She explains why MyArtBroker focuses on prints and editions, how the platform combines a machine‑learning valuation engine (drawing on data from some 400 auction houses) with specialist human expertise, and why authenticity, condition reports and conservator checks remain central to every sale. The conversation covers MyArtBroker’s business model — private sales, referrals and trade business — and practical differences from galleries and auction houses, including zero percent seller fees and taking a buyer-side margin. Charlotte reflects on how the pandemic accelerated online buying, why Banksy prints were particularly well-suited to digital brokerage, and how the company balanced rapid growth with maintaining trust and authority in the market. Key themes include the interplay of technology and human judgement (Charlotte’s “sandwich” analogy for AI as an assistant, not a replacement), the importance of focused specialism rather than chasing shiny new products, and the role of curated content and data in building credibility. She also discusses collector demographics, the looming wealth transfer from boomers to younger buyers, and predictions for how brokerage, authentication and digital tools may evolve over the next five years. Listeners can expect practical insights for anyone interested in art careers, digital transformation in the art market, and the operational realities of running an online brokerage — from valuation methodology and trust-building to when to use technology and when human specialists must lead the process. Guest: Charlotte Stewart, Managing Director at My Art Broker. Host: David Bellingham, Programme Director, MA Art Business, Sotheby's Institute of Art London. Topics: career paths in the art market; prints and editions brokerage; valuation algorithms and machine learning; pandemic acceleration of online sales; authentication and condition reporting; AI as an assistant; collector behaviour and the future of art brokerage. Links: https://www.myartbroker.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-stewart-775a35a1/?originalSubdomain=uk music ‘Baby, I Miss The Internet’ (Rama, Rama, Rama) by TOT TAYLOR is used by kind permission of the artist ©Tot Taylor/Songmatic Music (2020)

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