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Speakers (short bios)

Andrew Goldstein — Editorial leader and creative strategist. Former Editor-in-Chief of Artnet News, where he grew it into the world’s most-read art publication and launched The Art Angle podcast. Advises startups and museums on media and digital strategy.

Tim Schneider — Founder of The Gray Market, consultant to artists and cultural organizations, and author of The Great Reframing. Former art-market editor/columnist at The Art Newspaper and Artnet News; reporting has appeared in the New York Times, Financial Times, and more.

Elena Zavelev — Digital art/Web3 leader. Founder of CADAF (Crypto and Digital Art Fair); led global partnerships at LiveArt; taught at Sotheby’s Institute of Art and Christie’s Education. Heads community at HUG.art, working closely with digital artists and ecosystems.

Denis Belkevich — General Partner at Fuelarts, an art+tech investment and research platform. Art fund manager, startup mentor, and educator known for the annual Fuelarts Art+Tech reports and a pragmatic, investor-oriented view of the sector.

Quick overview: where the art market stands now

Andrew Goldstein opened with the macro picture: three years of declining sales and rising costs have squeezed the trade, especially galleries that scaled up during the boom. Yet he urged looking forward: we’re entering two major wealth transfers—to younger, digital-native collectors and toward tech-driven wealth creation (AI, spatial computing, Web3). His takeaway:

“It would be much smarter to bet on things changing than staying the same… Don’t treat digital art as a niche—imagine how art will be experienced, bought, and sold in a digital world.”

Structural correction, not collapse

Tim Schneider traced today’s pressure to a long run-up that normalized “scale at all costs” across galleries, fairs, and auctions—and to a decade where “art as asset” encouraged speculative buying. With multiple gallery closures and fair cancellations, he framed the moment as a reset:

“We’re going through a period of right-sizing… Move smart, not just big.”

Tim also highlighted the experiential nature of the ecosystem—openings, talks, studio visits—as a real draw for younger collectors. The job now is to channel that engagement into durable relationships and sensible pacing.

Digital art & Web3: community first, volatility acknowledged

From the practitioner side, Elena Zavelev described a digital/Web3 scene built on community and social experience—from early IRL showings (think CryptoPunks) to today’s conference/gallery hybrids and institutional traction. She was candid about volatility tied to crypto cycles, but optimistic about renewed momentum and better onboarding:

“The community element is what builds this market.”

Art+Tech, the “tangible turn,” and why education matters

Denis Belkevich pointed to a tangible turn: after years online, people want physical touchpoints—from framed digital works to robotics-driven sculpture—because tactility signals trust. He also flagged encouraging consolidation in art/tech and pushed for pairing tools with literacy:

“How can you buy what you don’t love? And how can you love what you don’t even know or understand?”

His closer: “The future of both the art market and art tech depends on education, responsibility, and courage—to deliver real solutions today, not promises tomorrow.”

What to focus on next

• Deliberate growth over treadmill growth. Fewer shows and fairs, clearer placement, and tighter collector circles beat empire-building in this climate.

• Blend physical and digital. IRL moments anchor digital practice; digital channels broaden reach. Find the balance that fits your work and audience.

• Artists as startups. Multiple revenue streams and sensible pricing/output help convert early attention into long-term careers.

• Make it easier to learn. Education grows love; love grows collecting. Meet new buyers where they are.

Watch the full webinar: