Podcast · Arts & Books

The Art Business

by David Bellingham · English · Arts & Books

The Art Business is a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to talking about both cultural and business aspects of the art world with some of its key players. It is hosted by Dr David Bellingham, Programme Director of the MA in Art Business at Sotheby‘s Institute of Art London.

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 1 hr
Latest: 10 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

10 Oct 2026 · 46 min

From Banking to Brushstrokes: Lara Julian’s Layered Journey

In this episode David Bellingham talks with abstract and conceptual painter Lara Julian at her exhibition on 100 Kenston High Street. Lara — born in Siberia, trained in international relations and banking before retraining at the School of Visual Arts (New York) and the Slade (London) — describes her path from finance to a sustained painting practice and her family art background.The conversation explores Lara’s working methods (long vertical brushstrokes built over months or years, often 50–60 layered passages, grounded in the Munsell colour system), her art-historical references (Titian,…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E91 · 1 Oct 2026 · 55 min
From Rothschild to Make-Ready: Scaling Avant Arte’s Global Print Revolution
Welcome back to the Art Business Podcast. In this episode host and guest Mazdak Sanii, founder and CEO of Avant Arte, discuss the decade-long journey of building a major contemporary art platform that has generated over $150 million in revenue and engaged more than 4 million collectors worldwide. Mazdak explains how his early M&A training at Rothschild shaped his leadership and soft skills, and how mentorship and recruiting the right people have been critical to scaling the business. Topics covered include Avant Arte’s operational response to the 2022 market downturn, the company’s…
E90 · 27 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
Pricing, Royalties and the Artist’s Business: Halim Flowers on Artonomics
How should artists price their work, earn royalties and build sustainable creative businesses? In this episode of The Art Business Podcast, David Bellingham talks to artist, author and Artonomics founder Halim Flowers about pricing art, financial literacy, intellectual property and building multiple revenue streams. Halim transformed 22 years of incarceration and self-education into an international creative practice. He discusses his journey from self-publishing and street entrepreneurship to working with galleries, Warner Brothers, institutional collectors and public projects. Topics…
E89 · 4 Aug 2026 · 1 hr
From Pixels to Provenance: How AI Is Transforming Art Valuation
David Bellingham interviews Ricardo Gonzales, founder of Art Collector IQ, about building AI tools for the art market. They discuss the origin of the project, the data and technical challenges of cleaning and standardizing auction records, and how AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) are combined to produce valuations, artist dashboards, weekly market briefs, and provenance checks. The episode covers the suite of tools Ricardo has developed—including Art Collector IQ, ArtCheck, ArtGallery IQ, the Cultural Signal, and an iOS app that scans paintings for on-the-spot…
E88 · 23 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
Curating the Non-Human: Maria Hinel on Art, Philosophy and Animal Agency
Host Dr David Bellingham, Programme Director of the MA Art Business, Sotheby's Institute of Art, London, speaks with independent London curator and writer Maria Hinel about building a curatorial career outside commercial institutions and the philosophical threads that shape her exhibitions. They discuss her training (UCL, Courtauld), early work at Skarstedt Gallery, and independent projects at spaces including General Assembly, Shtager & Shch and Hypha Studios. The episode covers recurring themes in Hinel's practice: the relations between the human and the non-human; language; identity;…
E87 · 2 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
Valuing the Priceless: Antiquities, Provenance and the Art Market
In this episode of The Art Business Podcast, Dr David Bellingham, Programme Director of the MA Art Business at Sotheby's Institute of Art, London, is joined by leading antiquities specialist Dr Judith Nugée. Drawing on more than forty years of experience as a scholar, auctioneer, advisor and valuer, Judith offers a fascinating insight into one of the art market's most complex and compelling sectors. Together they explore how antiquities challenge conventional ideas of value, ownership and authenticity, discussing provenance research, cultural heritage, collecting, ethics and the valuation of…
E86 · 16 Jun 2026 · 1 hr
From Instagram to the Fairground: Inside Treasure House with Michalina Franasik
In this episode David Bellingham interviews Michalina Maria Franasik, an MA Art Business graduate who now works as Communications Manager for the Treasure House Art Fair in London and as creative director of a contemporary art space in Lodz, Poland. They discuss: Michalina’s transition from business studies to the art world; her use of social media and content creation to learn and make connections; and practical career advice for graduates. The conversation covers behind-the-scenes logistics of staging Treasure House at the Royal Hospital Chelsea (24–30 June), the role of art fairs in a…
E85 · 4 Jun 2026 · 57 min
Inside Art Risk: Protecting Treasured Collections with Blythe Hogan
In this episode David Bellingham welcomes back alumna Blythe Hogan, Vice President and Senior Director of Art & Collections Practice at Aon Private Risk Management. They explore Blythe’s journey from studying art history to nearly two decades specializing in art insurance, risk management and collection strategy for private collectors and family offices.Topics covered include how fine art insurance works (scheduled vs blanket policies and retail replacement values), common collector misconceptions, valuation and provenance, emergency planning, transit and storage risks, climate and…
E84 · 21 May 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
Inside Today's Art Market: Power, Money and the Players Who Shape it - with Georgina Adam
Georgina Adam, editor‑at‑large of The Art Newspaper and author of multiple books about decades of change in the global art market, joins the show to discuss the forces reshaping how at is bought, sold and valued today. We explore the shift from antiques to contemporary art, the rise of private museums, and the evolution of auction practices including guarantees, white‑glove sales and pre‑auction arrangements. We also look at transparency, market opacity, and the growing overlap between art and luxury goods. Key insights include regional market dynamics (China, India and the Middle East); the…
E83 · 23 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 7 min
Home as Gallery: Inside the Wolf Collective’s Intimate Art World
In this episode of the Art Business Podcast David Bellingham, Programme Director of the MA Art Business, Sotheby's Institute of Art, visits the Wolf Collective, a curatorial platform run from the co-founders’ modernist home in Primrose Hill. Guests Lupe Sanchez, a curator and advisor with experience in blue-chip galleries and deep ties to Japanese craft traditions, and architect/developer Iain Pattie discuss how their domestic space has evolved into an intimate exhibition platform. The current solo presentation by Chicago-based artist Jaclyn Mednicov , whose ceramics, prints and…
E82 · 9 Apr 2026 · 59 min
Narrative Framing: How an MA Art Business Mentor Shaped an Emerging Artist’s Portfolio
In this episode of the Art Business Podcast, host David speaks with Alisa Demchenko, an MA Art Business (Sotheby’s Institute, London) graduand, and Nilanjan Das, a printmaker and PhD artist from Bhubaneswar, NE India, about their optional TAF (The Arts Family) collaboration. They discuss Alisa’s dissertation on AI in art valuation and personalization, and how algorithmic visibility shapes how emerging artists present their work online. The conversation explores Nilanjan’s practice—serigraphy, cyanotype and concrete-board works that investigate public space, plant life, urban beautification…
E81 · 9 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
Bridging Intuition and Data: How AI Is Shaping the Primary Art Market with Shahane Hakobyan, Founder of ARTanalyst
Dr. David Bellingham speaks with Shahane Hakobyan, MA Art Business alumna and founder/CEO of ARTanalyst, about her journey from artist to gallery director to tech entrepreneur. They discuss the fragmented nature of art market data, the value of measuring financial, cultural and social indicators, and how ARTanalyst’s AI-driven platform helps galleries connect internal CRM and inventory data with external signals (auctions, press, social) to generate actionable insights, KPIs and meeting prep. They cover lessons from Art Dubai and Galerie Kornfeld, building and testing measurement frameworks,…
E80 · 17 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Bliss on the Fourth Floor: Building a New Warsaw Gallery
We meet guests Kasia Piszkos (Art Director) and Lukasz Sinitsyn (Gallery Manager) live from Warsaw to discuss the founding of Bliss Gallery earlier in 2025, the meaning behind its name, and its location in a historic fourth‑floor apartment. They outline the gallery’s curatorial focus on abstraction and minimalism and describe standout shows such as Hydrofornia and Material Tendencies, plus their presentation of Urszula Bról at Artissima. The episode covers: practical gallery logistics (including installing water on an upper floor!); Warsaw’s gallery ecology and Warsaw Gallery Weekend;…
E79 · 25 Nov 2025 · 55 min
From Family Legacy to Global Vision: Inside Waddington Custot Gallery
David Bellingham speaks with Victor Custot and Carmen Hu of Waddington Custot Gallery about continuing a 70-year family legacy, the gallery’s curatorial identity, and their approaches to artist representation and international engagement. They discuss the gallery’s focus on technical excellence, relationships with artist estates (including Peter Blake and Barry Flanagan), and recent contemporary exhibitions such as Qiong Er and textile artist Kenia Almaraz Murillo. The hosts also cover operational choices, including reconfiguring the reception to highlight artworks, and the role of gallery…
E78 · 18 Nov 2025 · 52 min
Art, Luxury and Market Power: Natasha Degen on the Future of Sotheby's Institute of Art New York
Join host Dr David Bellingham, Programme Director of the MA in Art Business at Sotheby’s Institute of Art London, and guest Dr. Natasha Degen, incoming Director of Sotheby’s Institute of Art New York (January 2026), Chair of Art Market Studies at FIT, and author of The Market and Merchants of Style, for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolving art market and the future of art education. Natasha outlines her academic and professional journey from Princeton to China, the UK and New York, explaining what drew her to study the market side of art and how interdisciplinary training shaped…
E77 · 19 Oct 2025 · 51 min
From Christie's to Clicks: Charlotte Stewart on Modernizing the Prints Market
Welcome to the Art Business Podcast with David Bellingham. In this episode David speaks with Charlotte Stewart, Managing Director of MyArtBroker, about her non‑traditional route into the art world, her decade at Christie’s, and the digital pivot that led her to help build a leading online prints and editions brokerage. Charlotte describes how editorial storytelling and business management skills learned in traditional auction-house roles have shaped her approach to marketing, valuation and running a profitable tech-enabled business. She explains why MyArtBroker focuses on prints and…
E76 · 11 Oct 2025 · 45 min
Inside Tintera with Zein Khalifa: Egypt’s Gallery Revolutionizing Fine Art Photography
In this episode David interviews Zein Khalifa, alumna of the MA in Photography at Sotheby's Institute of Art London and co-founder of Tintera, the only private gallery in Egypt dedicated to fine art photography, about her journey from photographer to gallerist and the gallery’s mission to showcase and preserve contemporary Egyptian photography. They discuss analog vs digital practices, curatorial choices, working with Egyptian and regional artists, building audiences locally and internationally, and Tintera’s participation in the forthcoming 1:54 (London) and Paris Photo art fairs. Links:…
E75 · 28 Sep 2025 · 58 min
From ZBrush to Linen: Georgia Dymock on Myth, Monsters and Making
David interviews painter Georgia Dymock about her artistic journey since leaving Slade: solo shows, selection for New Contemporaries, representation by Gillian Jason, and winning the ACS x Gurr John Studio Prize. They discuss how the prize and gallery exposure are shaping her career. Georgia explains her studio routine in Camden and her process of moving from digital sculpture (ZBrush, rendering) to oil on herringbone linen, exploring themes of connectedness, ambiguity, hybrid mythic figures and the balance between surface and psychological distance. She also reflects on influences,…
E74 · 22 Sep 2025 · 33 min
Venus, Mars & the Garden of Meaning: Botticelli’s Hidden Messages
This lecture explores Sandro Botticelli's Venus and Mars, examining its Neoplatonist layers of meaning, ambiguous identities, and possible identifications with historical figures like Giuliano de' Medici and Simonetta Vespucci. The talk discusses iconography, seasonal symbolism, botanical clues (including the thorn apple/Datura), Christian readings (Adam and Eve, Mary Magdalene), and the painting's likely function in a marriage chamber, offering a multi-semantic interpretation that blends myth, history, and moral commentary. music ‘Baby, I Miss The Internet’ (Rama, Rama, Rama) by TOT TAYLOR…
E73 · 9 Sep 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ART & ITS MARKETS PART 2: RENAISSANCE TO NEW MILLENNIUM
In this second episode of a two-part lecture series, Dr David Bellingham continues his exploration of the art market, tracing its development from the Renaissance to the contemporary global scene. Drawing on historical, economic, and ethical perspectives, the lecture examines how art evolved from elite patronage into a commodified asset shaped by imperialism, celebrity culture, and financial speculation. Topics include: The rise of branded artists and the value of materials The emergence of auction houses and commercial galleries Colonial plunder and the ethics of restitution The impact of…
E72 · 21 Aug 2025 · 51 min
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ART & ITS MARKETS PART 1: PREHISTORY TO MEDIAEVAL
In this first episode of a two-part lecture series, Dr David Bellingham traces the evolution of the art market from its prehistoric origins to the medieval period. Drawing on archaeological, literary, and technical evidence, the lecture explores how art objects transitioned from ritual and utilitarian functions into exchangeable commodities. Topics include: Long-distance trade and stylistic diffusion in ancient cultures The emergence of artist signatures and competition in Classical Greece Roman collecting, auctions, and the replication of originals The role of advisors and secondary markets…
E71 · 16 May 2025 · 1 hr 21 min
Exploring Ukrainian Art & its Markets: War-Time Innovations and International Impact
Welcome to the Art Business Podcast! In this episode, David Bellingham, Programme Director of the MA Art Business, Sotheby's Institute of Art London, investigates the dynamic landscape of Ukrainian art during wartime. Alongside curator and art historian Bohdan Mysiuha and interpreter Olena Grubb, the discussion explores the shifting priorities among Ukrainian art collectors, emphasizing the cultural significance and quality of national art. The conversation highlights the resurgence of early Ukrainian modernism, revealing how historical events influence contemporary art. Bohdan shares his…
E70 · 3 May 2025 · 57 min
'From Beauty to Biennale: Anastasia Lander's Journey'
In this engaging episode of The Art Business Podcast, host David Bellingham sits down with Anastasia Lander, Associate Director at Pelham Communications in London and a notable alumna of Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Anastasia shares her fascinating journey from shaping the world's biggest beauty brands like Dior and MAC to navigating the dynamic landscapes of international art communications. Anastasia discusses her initial exposure to art through family influences and her academic journey at Sotheby’s Institute, as well as her experiences at global events such as the Venice Biennale. The…
E69 · 1 Apr 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Art and Business: Navigating Two Worlds with Anna Kuznetsova
Welcome back to the Art Business Podcast with David Bellingham, Programme Director at MA Art Business at Sotheby's Institute of Art in London. In this episode, David engages in an enlightening conversation with Anna Kuznetsova, Managing Director of Conscious Tech BV and Board Chair of Art Zuiderzee. Anna's rich experience across law, business, and the arts offers listeners a masterclass in blending strategic thinking with creative ambition. Join them as they revisit their recent study trip to the Netherlands, exploring TEFAF art fair, artists' studios and exhibitions, and engaging in…
E67 · 23 Jan 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
Navigating the Art World: Insights from Sotheby's Institute of Art's Art Business Masters Faculty
Welcome to another captivating edition of the Art Business Podcast, where we are absorbed into the fascinating world of art and business with some of the academic faculty from Sotheby's Institute of Art. Join us as Dr David Bellingham, Programme Director of the MA in Art Business, leads a compelling discussion with his esteemed colleagues. Meet Dr. Melanie Fasche, Deputy Programme Director and Senior Lecturer, who shares her intriguing journey from economic geography to becoming a thought leader in the creative industries. Dr. Oliver Petersen Gilbert, Head of Learning Innovation, provides…
E66 · 17 Dec 2024 · 1 hr 8 min
From Soviet Childhood to Street Art Pioneer: Anna Stolyarova's Journey
Join us in this captivating episode of the Art Podcast as we discuss the intriguing journey of Anna Stolyarova, founder and director of the Street Art Museum Amsterdam. Anna shares her fascinating experiences, from her early exposure to art in a Soviet-era Ukraine to becoming a pivotal figure in the street art scene in Amsterdam. Discover how the Street Art Museum Amsterdam is not just a collection of murals but a vibrant community and cultural hub that challenges the traditional notions of what a museum can be. Anna discusses the unique approach of integrating public participation,…
E65 · 11 Dec 2024 · 1 hr 5 min
Exploring Modern Chinese Art with Dr. Katie Hill
Join us in this insightful episode of the Art Business Podcast with Dr. Katie Hill, an authority in Chinese modern and contemporary art. As a Senior Lecturer & Academic Lead at Sotheby's Institute of Art London, Dr. Hill shares her fascinating journey from her early encounters with art to becoming a leading expert in her field. Dr. Hill delves into her formative experiences, including a pivotal trip to Italy and an immersive exhibition that ignited her passion for contemporary art. Discover how her deep interest in languages led her to explore Chinese art, influenced by her family history…
E64 · 26 Nov 2024 · 58 min
From Darkroom to Digital: Clare Strand and Sotheby's Institute of Art Students Reimagine the Art Monument
Welcome to a new episode of the Art Business Podcast, hosted by David Bellingham, Programme Director at Sotheby's Institute of Art in London. Join us in a fascinating conversation with UK-based artist Clare Strand, who challenges the traditional boundaries of the photographic medium. Clare is joined by two of David's MA students including Michalina Franasik who collaborated with her on an exciting project, A Butterfly & a Horse, showcasing at the V&A Museum. Inspired by the early image transfer experiments in 1880 by Shelford Bidwell, a pioneer of modern digital technology, this monument…
E63 · 13 Nov 2024 · 58 min
Art and Fame: Navigating the Modern Art World with Marek Claaßen
Welcome to the Art Business Podcast, where we delve into the intricate world of art and commerce. I'm David Bellingham, the Programme Director of the Master's Degree in Art Business at Sotheby's Institute of Art in London. In this episode, we are joined by Marek Claaßen, co-founder of ArtFacts.net, a Berlin-based platform providing comprehensive data and analysis on the relative 'fame' of artists and galleries, including world rankings. Join us as Marek shares his journey from growing up in a middle-class family with a passion for German expressionism, to becoming a musician in Berlin, and…
E62 · 2 Nov 2024 · 50 min
Art and Ambition: Selasie Gomado's Journey from Engineering to Art Business
In this episode of the Art Business Podcast, host David Bellingham, Programme Director of the Master's Degree in Art Business at Sotheby's Institute of Art in London, interviews Selasie Gomado, the co-founder and creative director of Artemartis. Broadcasting from Ghana, Selasie shares his journey from a science-focused education to a passion-driven career in the arts, highlighting the influence of his entrepreneurial family background. Selasie discusses the formation and growth of Artemartis, an art agency based in Accra, Ghana, which supports emerging artists locally and internationally. He…

About The Art Business

The Art Business is a English arts & books podcast from David Bellingham. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: David Bellingham
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 1 hr
Latest episode: 10 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1596887210

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