Quote of the day: "Always make sure you are chasing your art with the money, not chasing the money with your art", Frank Dunphy, business manager, to Damien Hirst. Investing in Art - Is it possible? In short: yes, it is. However, if you want to consider art as investment, there are some vital points to take into account. Art is a very special “asset class” and requires more involvement than many other forms of investments. Artworks are by definition unique – unlike shares, where it does not matter which one you own. We don’t think it is wise to buy a work if you don’t love it. Art as investment has to fulfil an added criterion: that you love the work, that it speaks to you. Unlike other investments, you will not get any monetary interest or dividends while you own it – “just” enjoyment. If you buy art as in vestment, in our opinion it is essential to consider the resale value – is there any at all? It is our belief that of all art sold in Australia, only about 20 % will retain its value after sale, for example an artwork that you could readily resell, right after the work has been purchased. However, if you inform yourself on the artist and his work and you are happy to spend let’s say $ 5,000 or $ 10,000 on a painting that has no actual re-sale value, that is fine of course. But there are not too many art collectors who can afford to do this. With art, you have got a choice to think about a resale value - unlike with most other goods, which never hold, and even much less increase, their value. We believe that when an artwork maintains its value, it represents already a good investment. Capital gains would be achieved over several years, not in the short term. And measuring the performance of art can be very tricky, as there are so many different factors to consider: the artist, the period, the medium, the individual artwork, development of prices over a period of years. I am ready to buy. What do I do? If you decide to buy art, our first advice would be: wait, don’t buy. Train your eye by visiting public and commercial galleries and also art fairs. Speak with gallery owners and people who have bought art before. Learn about art, read books and art magazines. We also firmly believe that buying art is for everyone who is interested. All you need is the commitment to pursue art, and find out what you like. Set aside a budget, which can start from under $ 1000, and be prepared to wait before you make your first purchase. To help you in this process, it is a good idea to get to know experienced gallery-owner and artists personally. A relationship with an independent art consultant will provide you with completely unbiased information and advice. When you are ready to buy, use these general purchasing guidelines:     * Set yourself a budget     * Buy what you like     * Buy a good name     * Buy from a reputable source Buying at auction requires thorough research on the artist, his works, his periods and techniques as well as his prices. A work sold through a reputable auction house is validated and can be resold at a later date. Purchase works by emerging artists from cutting edge galleries – this is higher risk, but lower outlay – and you get to enjoy contemporary art, while supporting a young artist. As art consultants with excellent contacts in the art industry, we are uniquely equipped to assist you both in buying at fine art auctions and through the best art galleries. We are Approved Service Providers (Valuers and Consultants) with the Australian Antique and Art Dealers Association. See how we could help you achieve your art goals with our art advisory service. If you would like to find out more about your art, just contact us with your enquiry. If you would like to get more information and tips on art, fine art auctions or investing in art,  you can join our mailing list here.

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