How value is built in the visual arts

How Value Is Built: A Collector’s Guide to Understanding the Art Market

Ever wondered why some artworks skyrocket in value while others fade into obscurity?

Join us for a dynamic one-hour talk that unpacks the real mechanics of how value is created, sustained, and sometimes lost in the art world.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or already building a collection, this session will give you a practical framework for reading the market — beyond the hype.

We’ll explore:

• Strength & Consistency: how to spot quality and authenticity in an artist’s work.
• Validation: who says it matters — and why recognition from critics, institutions, and collectors changes everything.
• Demand & Scarcity: how to tell if people really want an artist’s work, and what happens when supply is carefully controlled.
• Positioning: the power of where art is sold — from blue-chip galleries to online platforms.
• Storytelling: how a strong narrative and brand identity can elevate an artist’s value.
• Trends & Timing: how global and local shifts shape what (and who) collectors are investing in next.

This isn’t a lecture — it’s a fast-paced, insightful guide to help you look at art with sharper eyes and more confidence.

Karen Cullinan (Artyli Gallery Founder) and Karabo Marula (Capital Art Founder) will be on the panel. The discussion will be facilitated by Africa Collect Founder, Sara Hallatt.