Art Business Brief: Collectors Buy Direct, BUTTER Fair Pays Artists 100%, Singulart Gains Buyers, Holiday Shipping Rises
The Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting reveals that studio visits have become the most popular way for collectors to engage, with 20% of their spending now going directly to artists. The recent BUTTER Fine Art Fair in Indianapolis saw impressive results, with 107 pieces sold for a total of $298,918, all of which went directly to the artists. This year’s fair featured 53 artists, 13 students, and nine galleries, attracting over 9,000 attendees. Over its six editions, BUTTER has surpassed $2 million in sales, with 30 acquisitions made by 17 institutions. Meanwhile, Singulart reported that 76% of its 2025 buyers were first-time purchasers. Additionally, USPS began its holiday pricing on October 4, 2023, and FedEx started holiday demand charges on September 28, 2023.
Key facts
- Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting found studio visits had the greatest attendance rise of any measured art event
- Buying directly from artists more than tripled as a share of collector spending, reaching 20%
- BUTTER Fine Art Fair in Indianapolis sold 107 artworks for $298,918 with artists receiving 100% of sales
- BUTTER featured 53 exhibiting artists, 13 student artists, and nine galleries, with over 9,000 attendees
- Over six years, BUTTER reports more than $2 million in sales, 347 participating artists, and 30 acquisitions by 17 institutions
- Singulart reported 76% of its 2025 buyers were first-time platform purchasers, with 56% of purchases below €1,000
- USPS holiday prices took effect October 4 and last until January 17, 2027, with Priority Mail increases up to $9.10
- FedEx holiday demand charges began September 28, with oversize charges rising to $117.25 from November 23 through December 27
Entities
Institutions
- Art Basel
- UBS
- BUTTER Fine Art Fair
- Singulart
- Art Marketing News
- United States Postal Service
- FedEx
Locations
- Indianapolis
- United States