The ArtTactic Podcast, the leading podcast on the art market, covers a wide range of topics from art investment to general topics about the global art market in...
Ashkan Baghestani on Sotheby’s First Auction in Saudi Arabia and the Region’s Growing Art Market
In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green speaks with Ashkan Baghestani, SVP and Head of Contemporary Day Sale at Sotheby’s, about the auction house’s inaugural sale in Saudi Arabia, Origins, taking place on February 8. Ashkan discusses the factors behind Sotheby’s expansion into this growing market, how Saudi Arabia’s cultural scene compares to other Middle Eastern hubs, and the strategy behind curating a sale that blends fine art, sports memorabilia, watches, jewelry, and handbags. He also shares insights into how Sotheby’s is engaging both seasoned and emerging collectors in the region and what trends are shaping the Saudi art market. Finally, Ashkan provides a broader look at Sotheby’s long-term vision for the Middle East and whether the recent investment from Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, ADQ, plays a role in shaping the auction house’s future in the region.
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From the Met to the Midwest: Kelly Baum on Leading the Des Moines Art Center
In this episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green speaks with Kelly Baum, the John and Mary Pappajohn Director of the Des Moines Art Center. Formerly a curator of contemporary art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Kelly made a bold move from New York to Iowa to take on the leadership of one of the country’s most dynamic regional museums. We discuss what motivated her decision to leave the Met, the unique history and vision of the Des Moines Art Center, and how the institution has built an exceptional collection by embracing risk-taking and innovation. Kelly shares insights into the transition from curator to director, the opportunities and challenges of leading a museum outside a major art hub, and the ways she’s working to maintain a strong local presence while ensuring the museum remains visible on the national stage. She also offers a preview of exciting upcoming exhibitions and reflects on what has surprised her most about Iowa’s art community.
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Frieze LA and the Fires: Updates from Robin Pogrebin of The New York Times
This week on the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green speaks with New York Times Culture Reporter Robin Pogrebin about the devastating impact of the recent fires in Los Angeles on the city’s art community. They discuss how artists, collectors, and institutions have been affected, as well as the art world’s inspiring efforts to provide support. The conversation also explores how Frieze LA has transformed the city’s art scene, creating a vibrant cultural ecosystem that extends beyond the fair itself to include museums, galleries, and studio visits. Robin shares insights on the challenges and opportunities facing LA’s gallery scene, common misconceptions about the local art market, and what makes it distinct from other art hubs like New York. With Frieze Week approaching, they discuss the potential for the fairs to bring the art world together in solidarity, supporting the recovery of LA’s art community.
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The Gray Market's Tim Schneider Shares His 2025 Art Market Predictions
In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green is joined by Tim Schneider, founder of The Gray Market, to explore his much-anticipated annual art market predictions. Known for his sharp insights and bold forecasts, Tim shares highlights from his newly published 2025 predictions, diving into topics that are shaping the art world. Together, they discuss the potential sale of Frieze to Ari Emanuel, the possibility of Beeple’s Everydays: The First 5000 Days returning to the market, and the growing presence of high-end gallery pop-ups in Saudi Arabia. Tim also addresses the unsettling rise of deepfake technology and its implications for the art market. In addition, Tim reveals a brand-new prediction exclusively for this episode and reflects on his recent transition of The Gray Market to Substack.
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End-of-Year Episode: 2024 Art Market Recap with Daniel Cassady of Artnews
In this final episode of the year, host Adam Green reflects on 2024 and looks ahead to the future of the art market. Joined by Daniel Cassady, Art Business Reporter at Artnews, they dive into the key moments, trends, and controversies that shaped the art world over the past year. They discuss the overall health of the art market in 2024, exploring the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical forces, as well as the rise of hotel fairs as a cost-effective and creative alternative for galleries. The conversation also highlights emerging art fairs and regions gaining prominence in an increasingly global art world, memorable auction moments, and the controversies that defined the year. Additionally, Adam and Daniel examine how blockchain technology might influence provenance and authenticity in the future and reflect on the cultural buzz surrounding Frieze London and the much-anticipated Art Basel Paris. As a bonus, they share bold predictions for 2025.
The ArtTactic Podcast, the leading podcast on the art market, covers a wide range of topics from art investment to general topics about the global art market industry. Each episode features an in-depth interview with a key art market figure.
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