ArtTactic's Global Art Market Outlook report indicates that the art market is entering 2026 with renewed optimism, with over half of participants expecting growth. Auction sales rose 11% year-on-year in 2025, driven by high-value trophy works and single-owner collections. Confidence is strongest at the top (works over $1 million) and bottom (under $50,000) of the market, while the mid-market remains squeezed. Modern and Post-War art lead the rebound, with painting dominating over NFTs and AI art. Geographically, the Middle East is the most bullish region, boosted by events like Art Basel Qatar, while the US and parts of Asia show improving sentiment, and Europe lags.
The report matters because it signals a cautious but clear stabilization after a prolonged downturn following the 2022 peak. It highlights a selective recovery where quality and historical credibility are paramount, and where the secondary market is outperforming the primary. The findings offer critical guidance for collectors, dealers, and investors navigating a market that is not roaring back but is finding firmer footing, with regional and segment-specific divergences shaping the landscape.