Hauser & Wirth partners with young galleries for collective impact

Hauser & Wirth has pioneered a collaborative business model by partnering with smaller galleries to co-represent artists, rather than poaching them. The mega-gallery and Nicola Vassell Gallery in New York jointly represent Somali-born painter Uman, sharing contacts and networks with a 25% commission each and 50% for the artist. Their first joint show is scheduled for January 2024 in London. A second partnership involves Company Gallery for artist Ambera Wellmann. Marc Payot, co-president of Hauser & Wirth, stated the pandemic prompted reflection on the art world's imbalance, where few large galleries thrive while others struggle. Nicola Vassell noted that talented artists like Uman cannot be confined, so expanding reach is better. Sophie Morner of Company Gallery emphasized that galleries like Hauser & Wirth can change models by thinking outside the box for artists' benefit.