ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Corporate Art Collections in the US: A New Era

opinion-review · 2026-04-23

The article examines the rise of corporate art collections in the United States, highlighting their dual role as educational and economic tools. Critic Eleanor Heartney notes the emergence of a new profession: the art advisor. The phenomenon is presented as a blend of passion, speculation, and marketing, reflecting the intersection of commerce and culture.

Key facts

  • Corporate art collections in the US are increasingly ostentatious in their educational and economic exploitation.
  • Eleanor Heartney identifies the emergence of the art advisor profession.
  • The phenomenon is driven by passion, speculation, or marketing decisions.
  • Corporate collections serve as a space where commerce and culture intersect.
  • The article was published in artpress in October 1992.
  • The context is the FIAC 92 art fair.

Entities

Institutions

  • artpress
  • FIAC

Locations

  • United States

Sources