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Christie's Art + Tech Summit Explores Blockchain's Potential to Transform Art Market Transparency and Trust

market-auction · 2026-04-20

On July 20, 2018, the Christie's Art + Tech Summit, co-hosted with Vastari, drew more than 200 participants, including collectors, tech entrepreneurs, and gallerists. The event centered on how blockchain could transform authentication, provenance, and market liquidity, enabling small investors to enter the art market through cryptocurrency models. Nicolas Cary from Blockchain.com discussed the importance of digital identities for assets, while Anton Ruddenklau from KPMG cautioned that blockchain initiatives are still in their infancy. Advocates Richard Muirhead and Vanessa Grellet stressed the importance of collaboration. Lawyer Jonathan Kewley raised issues regarding data privacy. Additionally, artist-developers presented blockchain projects, and startups like Maecenas introduced fractional ownership to improve liquidity, reflecting the art market's pursuit of trust amid economic challenges.

Key facts

  • Christie's co-organized the Art + Tech Summit: Exploring Blockchain with Vastari on 20 July 2018.
  • Over 200 attendees included gallerists, tech entrepreneurs, and collectors.
  • Blockchain was discussed for enhancing art market transparency, authentication, and liquidity.
  • Nicolas Cary of Blockchain.com promoted digital identities for assets to improve global payment access.
  • KPMG's Anton Ruddenklau warned blockchain is early-stage, with central bank digital currencies potentially displacing Bitcoin.
  • Anne Bracegirdle of Christie's advocated blockchain for artist monetization and transaction simplicity.
  • Artist-developers like Matt Hall, Yehudit Mam, and John Zettler presented blockchain-based digital art projects.
  • Startups Maecenas and Codex Protocol are testing fractional ownership and blockchain services, with Maecenas auctioning a Warhol.

Entities

Artists

  • Matt Hall
  • Yehudit Mam
  • John Zettler
  • Andy Warhol
  • Jeff Koons

Institutions

  • Christie's
  • Vastari
  • Blockchain.com
  • KPMG
  • Fabric Ventures
  • ConsenSys
  • Clifford Chance
  • Artory
  • Codex Protocol
  • Paddle 8
  • Maecenas
  • Look Lateral
  • Sotheby's
  • DADA.nyc
  • R.A.R.E. Network
  • CryptoPunks
  • ArtReview

Locations

  • United States
  • Switzerland

Sources