Art Dealer David Schrader Discusses New Gallery Venture and Market Trends

Art dealer David Schrader, in an interview for the Artnet Intelligence Report: Year Ahead 2026, discusses his plans to open a new secondary-market gallery in New York with partners Marc Glimcher and Emmanuel Di Donna. He explains that the current market stabilization and growing optimism, particularly in the secondary sector, create a favorable environment for this venture. The gallery aims for a focused approach rather than replicating large-scale models. Schrader addresses the rise of private auctions, noting their success in blending discretion with urgency, especially during the pandemic. He comments on shifting market dynamics, suggesting that transparency and negotiated commissions are leading to more consistent margins rather than oversized ones, with the philosophy that 'volume begets volume.' Contrary to expectations, he observes that market fluidity has recently slowed as buyers become more disciplined and sellers hold onto quality works. Regarding data circulation, Schrader notes that while public data is more accessible, private sales networks still rely on proprietary market intelligence. The interview is part of a broader report analyzing market performance and trends, with a live discussion scheduled for April 8.