A new report by the art industry network First Thursday reveals that 84 percent of commercial galleries are now using artificial intelligence in their daily operations. Despite this widespread adoption for tasks like drafting press releases, translation, and market research, only 8 percent of these institutions have formal policies governing AI use. The study, which surveyed 103 gallery professionals globally, highlights that most AI integration is happening informally through staff using personal accounts rather than through leadership-driven strategy.
This trend matters because it exposes significant data security and governance risks within the art market. As gallery employees input sensitive information—such as collector identities and private sales histories—into general platforms like ChatGPT without oversight, they risk compromising confidential data. The report suggests that while AI is becoming an essential tool for managing the increasing complexity of the art business, a disconnect remains between grassroots usage and institutional protection frameworks.