The Art Business

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)

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.

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.

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)

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)