The Contemporary art market has entered 2026 on a firmer footing than many had expected in our last survey in July 2025. Confidence has rebounded across both the primary and secondary markets, supported by stronger auction results, encouraging signals from major art fairs, and renewed momentum at the top end of the market. After a prolonged period of caution, there is growing evidence that sentiment has improved and that the recovery which began in the second half of 2025 has continued into the first quarter of this year.

About this report:
The ArtTactic Art Market Confidence Indicator was launched in May 2005 and is now in its 43^rd edition. The survey is modelled on a similar methodology to the CEO confidence Survey that was launched in 1976 by the Conference Board in the US. We believe that the opinions of a small group of select ‘art insiders’; collectors, auction houses, advisors and other art professionals provide a valuable insight into the perception about the current and future state of the art market.

CONTENTS

Foreword

Key Findings

Art Market Confidence

Artists Confidence Indicator

Artists Longevity Indicator

Artists Confidence Quadrant

Artists Confidence Ranking

FOCUS: Artist Market Confidence Analysis