Art management is a very popular service for collectors who have sufficiently large or complex collections. The number of people needing this service is increasing, with many younger people buying art online and having to deal with the regulations involved in buying art from many different countries.
These collectors need specialists to help deal with the documentation involved in these transactions as well as to prevent the artwork in their collection from becoming damaged and save the collector money and time. Gallery owners and art advisors generally don’t take on this role, but an art manager can provide these services and more.
Art managers are often curators, art historians, registrars, as well as administrators. These people also generally have access to a number of specialists that can provide any other necessary services. Art managers usually have practical experience handling art and can be trusted to keep their dealings confidential, which is essential as they are often dealing with sensitive information. Often collectors and art managers form a long-term business relationship.
Here are some of the services an art manager provides.
Creating an Inventory
An art manager will typically take an inventory of the collection they are managing, which can then be used when providing other services. The inventory will likely contain a picture of the work of art along with other important details, such as the condition of the item and where it is kept. This information is often kept in a digital database where it can easily be accessed when needed, such as for tax or insurance purposes. A digital art database can also be accessed by the collector anytime and almost anywhere on their mobile devices.
Caring for the Art
An art manager is also responsible for caring for the art in the collection. This includes making sure it is properly packed and shipped when it needs to be transported as well as being framed and displayed correctly. This means an art manager needs to know things, including the ideal temperature and lighting conditions for the room the art will be displayed in.
An art manager also ensures that art objects receive proper care, such as cleaning when necessary, as well as restoration. Restoration may even involve the replacement of some parts of the art objects, such as parts of a frame. An art manager will generally hire specialists to take care of these procedures.
Providing Financial Services
Collectors often want financial services as well, which art managers will often provide. This could involve loans using their art collection as collateral. Art managers are typically familiar with this process and can help with the entire process. They can also assist in the purchase and sale of artwork as well as dealing with taxes and estate planning.
Final Thoughts
Art management is increasingly in demand, and for good reasons. There is a lot of work involved in properly caring for an art collection. So, art managers can offer many benefits for someone with a large or complex art collection and ensure that your investment is cared for and managed correctly.
Contact Us
For more information on art management, contact Manzi Appraisers & Restorers. Our professional team has more than 20 years of experience helping people care for their fine artwork. Call us at 617-995-0022 and connect with us on Facebook.