An Introduction to Art Consultants

What is An Art Consultant? 

Definition of an Art Consultant

Art consultants bridge the gap between art and business, offering expert advice on art acquisition, curation, and management. They curate personalized art collections for various settings like offices, healthcare spaces, and commercial real estate, aligning their proposals with clients' needs, preferences, and budgets.

Role of an Art Consultant

The art consultation process begins with an initial meeting to understand the client’s budget and vision. Consultants present a range of art options, analyze floor plans, and determine optimal art placement. 

They create detailed proposals with visual renderings, which clients refine in collaboration with the consultant. Throughout the project, consultants help select artworks that match the client's aesthetic preferences and project goals, overseeing the installation to ensure proper placement and maintenance. For spaces with rotating installations, consultants continuously update the art collection to keep it fresh and relevant.

Difference vs. an Art Advisor

The roles of an art consultant and an art advisor often overlap, but there can be key differences depending on the business. Both professionals provide expertise in selecting and acquiring art, but their specific functions and approaches can vary.

Art Consultant:

• Focuses primarily on the aesthetic and spatial aspects of art placement.
• Works closely with clients to integrate art into specific environments, such as homes, offices, or public spaces.
• Provides services that include analyzing floor plans, creating visual renderings, and overseeing installations.
• Often involved in the ongoing management of art collections, including rotating installations and evolving spaces.

Art Advisor:

• Specializes in the broader aspects of art acquisition and investment.
• Guides clients through the art market, offering advice on purchasing, selling, and building collections.
• Provides insights into the value and provenance of artworks, helping clients make informed decisions for long-term investment.
• May work with individual collectors, galleries, or institutions to curate significant collections.

In some cases, the roles can be very similar, with professionals offering a blend of both aesthetic and investment advice. In other cases, the roles can be quite distinct, each with a specialized focus.

Benefits of an Art Consultant

While curating your own art collection is possible, using an art consultant offers significant advantages. They bring extensive knowledge of the art market and connections with a wide range of artists, ensuring a curated collection that meets your preferences.

Expertise and Connections

Art consultants have in-depth knowledge of the art market and access to a vast network of artists, providing a diverse selection for your collection.

Efficiency and Convenience

Working with a consultant streamlines the art selection process. They present pieces matching your budget and style, handling the search, shipping, and installation, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

Personalized and Localized Selections

Art consultants understand your community and can tailor your collection to feature local artists. For example, they can source 3D wall art by a Philly-based artist if you live in Philadelphia, adding a unique touch to your collection.

By leveraging the expertise and resources of an art consultant, you can enjoy a thoughtfully curated art collection that enhances your space while saving time and effort.

13 Art Consultants in the United States

TurningArt

https://www.turningart.com/

TurningArt offers turnkey art programming for organizations nationwide, handling everything from curation to installation. Their services ensure high-quality support and flexibility, using an online catalog of over 50,000 artworks to enhance spaces efficiently and effectively.

LK Art Consultants

https://lkartconsultants.com/

LK Art Consultants curates artwork and installations for various spaces, focusing on contemporary art. They serve collectors with expertise in Postwar and Contemporary art, cutting through trends to bring lasting value.

Jay Grimm Art Advisory

https://www.jaygrimm.com/

Jay Grimm Art Advisory assists art buyers by educating and guiding them through the complex art market. They ensure clients, including private and corporate collectors, galleries, and artists, receive the best value and experience in their art investments.

Artsource Consulting

https://www.artsourceinc.com/

Artsource Consulting specializes in corporate and public art advisory services. They offer expertise in contemporary and fine art, providing services like artwork consignment, shipment, and pricing analysis, making them a valuable resource for businesses building art collections.

Riggs Art Consultants

https://www.riggs-art.com/

Riggs Art Consultants is a full-service art consulting firm that collaborates with companies and creatives to deliver distinctive art programs on time and within budget.

Mason Lane Art Advisory

https://www.masonlaneart.com/

Mason Lane Art Advisory helps clients acquire contemporary art from around the world, supporting them from the first preview to the final installation to create inspired spaces.

Elizabeth Sadoff Art Advisory

https://esadoff.com/

Elizabeth Sadoff Art Advisory helps private collectors in New York and beyond discover inspiring artwork for their collections, offering expertise in art selection and installation.

KBAA

https://kevinbarry.com/

Kevin Barry Art Advisory provides tailored art consulting services for corporate and private collectors. Their advisors in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco offer unparalleled solutions to meet the needs of discerning clients.

Lendrum Fine Art

https://lendrumfineart.com/

Lendrum Fine Art, founded by Tiffiny Lendrum, provides comprehensive art consulting for public and corporate projects, focusing on thoughtful installations and artistic integrity.

Dyson & Womack

https://www.dysonwomack.com/

Dyson & Womack specializes in public art consulting, cultural planning, project management, curation, and programming. They focus on equity, accessibility, and progressive public art management.

One Eleven Art Consulting

https://artspace111.com/consulting/

One Eleven Art Consulting matches contemporary artists with collectors, using extensive knowledge to ensure artwork is relevant to each location, culture, and client.

L'Attitude Art

https://www.lattitudeart.com/

L’Attitude Art works with diverse projects and budgets, specializing in regional, national, and international artists to build collections that reflect the unique users of each space.

DeGroot Fine Art

https://www.degrootfineart.com/

DeGroot Fine Art provides comprehensive consulting and advising services for corporate and private clients, customizing the consultation process to align with each client's vision and ensuring high-quality acquisitions and best practices for preservation.

How TurningArt Can Help

At TurningArt, our experienced art consultants and project managers work closely with private and corporate clients to discover, acquire, and display artwork that aligns with their unique needs and vision. Our consultants curate stunning collections to boost morale and creativity, leveraging a vast collection of contemporary artwork available for purchase or rent. This dynamic service cultivates connection and engagement with visitors, clients, and tenants.

If you have questions about art consulting services, the art market, or the role of art consultants, reach out to our team for personalized assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do art consultants charge? 

Art consultants typically charge a commission of the total art cost. The typical commission rate can vary but is often in the range of 5% to 20%. For extensive projects, fees may be hourly or flat, depending on scope and complexity.

What does an art consultant do?

An art consultant provides expert advice on acquiring, selling, and managing art collections. They assist in sourcing, selecting, and installing artworks, ensuring pieces fit clients' tastes, needs, and budgets, and advise on long-term care and management.

How do you pay an art consultant?

Payment can vary, including a percentage of the art purchase, hourly rates, or flat fees for specific services. Payment terms should be clearly defined in a contract before starting the project.

Connect with an Art Advisor to schedule a complimentary consultation or request a customized quote.