Post by Amaya Aramburu

Just a few days ahead of Art Basel, I attended “Art Markets and the World in Transition: Frameworks Shaping Global Collecting”, organised by the Center for Art Law Switzerland during Zurich Art Weekend. The timing felt especially relevant. As the international art world gathers in Switzerland, the conversation around collecting increasingly centres on what drives the next generation of collectors, and how evolving regulatory structures can support a market that remains both vibrant and transparent. This resonated with Avant Arte’s survey on next-generation collectors and Georgina Adam’s recently published book, NextGen Collectors and the Art Market. Both point to a generation engaging with art through access, storytelling, identity, connection to artists and a desire for greater transparency. One key takeaway from the discussion was that trust is, and will continue to be, one of the foundations of the art market. As the market becomes more formalised, collectors will need guidance not only on what to acquire, but also on how to acquire meaningfully and responsibly. This is where technology can play an important role. In my work with data-driven AI art authentication at Art Recognition, I see how technology can contribute to greater transparency and confidence while keeping structures more accessible and flexible for collectors, advisors and the wider market. What made the conversation particularly valuable was the diverse and strong group gathered by the Center for Art Law Switzerland: Thomas Stauffer , Will Korner, Alana Kushnir, Pascal Robert and Stefan Puttaert from Nicola Erni Collection, with the skillful moderation of Irina Tarsis. A special mention as well to Olena Iegorova from the Center for Art Law Switzerland team for bringing this timely conversation to Zurich. The challenge ahead: more transparency without unnecessary bureaucracy, more structure without losing flexibility, and more trust while preserving the emotional connection that makes collecting meaningful.