András Szántó's final trilogy volume surveys art world futures through 38 dialogues

Cultural strategist András Szántó releases the third and final volume of his museum-focused trilogy, The Future of the Art World: 38 Dialogues, published by Hatje Cantz on 28 October 2025. Following previous books on museum directors (2020) and architects (2022), this edition broadens scope by interviewing a diverse range of art world figures. Interviewees include gallerists José Kuri and Atsuko Ninagawa, collectors Alain Servais and Sylvain Levy, artists William Kentridge, Holly Herndon & Mathew Dryhurst, curator Fatoş Üstek, network scientist Albert-László Barabási, former Art Basel director Marc Spiegler, PR consultant Calum Sutton, and Sheikha Al-Mayassa Al Thani. Topics range from defining the art world to its future trajectory. Szántó notes no consensus on whether the art world is advancing or stagnating, with divergent regional trajectories. Barabási argues art value is determined by invisible networks. Joshua Citarella critiques museums' failure to engage with digital culture. Thomas Girst of BMW states only 1% of art students will live off their art. Sheikha Al-Mayassa defines cultural diplomacy as open dialogue between nations. Szántó identifies 'change catalysts' including art's mutation, shifting tastes, and globalization's canon reappraisal, concluding with hope after 640 questions. The book is reviewed by Georgina Adam, art market editor-at-large at The Art Newspaper.