Oct 15, 2025
Art Basel & UBS Survey of Global Collecting
By Art Basel & UBS
The Art Basel & UBS Survey of Global Collecting 2025, produced by Arts Economics, is the most comprehensive study of high-net-worth collectors worldwide, with 3,100 respondents across 10 major markets and a gender-balanced sample.
Why this report matters:
The 2025 survey captures a market in transition. Collectors are younger, more diverse, and increasingly optimistic. Women’s influence is rising, both in spending and in championing female artists.
What’s inside:
Wealth and collecting: HNWIs allocated an average of 20% of their wealth to art in 2025, up from 15% in 2024. Gen Z and UHNWIs report even higher allocations.
Collections: Average collection size is 47 works. 84% of respondents have inherited artworks, which make up nearly 30% of their collections. Women collectors are close to gender parity in their holdings.
Spending: Average spending in 2024 was $438,990 across 14 works, with women spending 46% more than men. 51% of HNWIs bought digital art, and women are more likely to buy works by female and unknown artists.
Channels and events: Galleries and dealers remain dominant, but direct purchases from artists and online platforms are rising. Event attendance is robust, with women attending more events than men.
Outlook: 84% of collectors are optimistic about the market’s short-term future. Philanthropy and legacy-building are increasingly important, with 25% planning donations in the next year.
Insights for female investors:
Women now control over a third of global wealth, with influence set to grow.
Female collectors lead spending in several regions and drive demand for greater representation and impact.
Women are more open to buying works by unknown artists and making bold collecting choices.
Whether new to collecting or looking to deepen your engagement, the Art Basel & UBS Survey of Global Collecting 2025 provides actionable insights on market trends, risk preferences, and the evolving role of women in art investment. It’s an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the forces shaping the future of collecting—and how to participate with confidence and purpose.
Karli Boss
Client Advisor, Director | Global Wealth Management & Private Office
UBS AG, Australia Branch