Artprice's 33rd Annual Contemporary Art Market Report Highlights Market Shifts

As major art fairs like Frieze London and Art Basel Paris approach, Artprice unveils its 33rd annual report on the Contemporary Art Market, indicating notable transitions. Between July 2025 and June 2026, global art auction sales surged by 41%, yet contemporary art saw a modest 6% increase in value. Modern and postwar art drove the market’s recovery.

The report identifies a 9% rise in transaction volumes, with record sales numbers for six years running. Nonetheless, the segment for artists under 40 contracted by 26.6%, suggesting challenges remain for younger artists.

The United States played a pivotal role in the market's growth, capturing the entire $100 million increase globally. Meanwhile, China faced an 18% decline, despite being the second-largest market in the world.

The report provides insights into price formation dynamics amidst geopolitical instability and emphasizes the emerging influence of new hubs in Asia, with South Korea showing marked resilience.