The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the classification of the art market and the method of art work transactions, the types of online and offline art markets, the distribution process from exhibition to sales and collection, and analyze the role ...
The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the classification of the art market and the method of art work transactions, the types of online and offline art markets, the distribution process from exhibition to sales and collection, and analyze the role of art market participants to help art majors explore and decide on their career paths based on their understanding of the structure of the art industries, furthermore to present appropriate educational measures to help learners actively participate in the art market by cultivating economic thinking skills.
In the introduction of Chapter I, the researcher confirms that the global art market has experienced unprecedented growth and expanded its influence in recent years. However, it is also confirmed that art education in schools lacks sufficient coverage of the current position of the art market. Therefore, the researcher conducted a study to explore educational approaches that introduce students to the various types of art distribution and market structures to help them understand the roles of professionals in the field within high school art curricula.
Chapter II provides the theoretical background for the proposed educational approach by classifying the art market into primary and secondary markets. The art market is a space where the trade of artworks, which possess multifaceted characteristics distinct from general goods, which is largely composed of suppliers, consumers, and intermediaries. The primary market is where initial transactions of artworks occur, primarily through galleries, but can also include auctions or direct transactions between artists and buyers. The secondary market refers to the resale of artworks that have been previously sold, often represented by auctions. Recently, the development of online and mobile platforms has led to the emergence of new forms of art markets, therefore the operation type of the market shows flexibility across transaction types and areas.
The researcher then reconsidered the various types of art distribution methods. Artwork transactions can be categorized as direct sales and consignment sales. Direct sales refer to transactions that occur directly between parties. Consignment sales involve specialized distribution companies acting as agents for artists or artwork owners, facilitating sales on their behalf. There is also the concept of brokerage, which involves intermediaries facilitating transactions by presenting and negotiating mutually agreeable terms between the parties.
Subsequently, the researcher classified major institutions in the offline art market as galleries, auctions, and art fairs, and examines the characteristics of diversified online art markets, distinguishing them into online auction platforms and NFT marketplaces based on specific cases.
In Chapter III, the researcher organized the distribution structure of artworks and explored the roles and expertise of professionals involved. The distribution of artworks can be broadly categorized into processes such as artwork creation, consignment, appraisal, exhibition, and sales. Professionals involved in the art market include artists, gallery operations, exhibition planning, artwork appraisal and restoration, artwork management and transportation, and indirect influencers.
In Chapter IV, prior to designing a classroom model, the researcher analyzed the current status of understanding the art market education in middle school art curricula by examining existing high school art textbooks and the analysis revealed a lack of content related to the art market. Furthermore, to reaffirm the need for understanding the art market education, a survey was conducted among students at A Art High School, where a high potential for future engagement in the art industry was expected. The survey results showed a significantly lower level of understanding compared to the students' interest and involvement in the various aspects of the art market. Based on these findings, this thesis emphasizes the necessity of understanding the art market education and proposes a classroom model incorporating the analysis of the art market structure and the roles of professionals. The Art Market Understanding Program consists of a total of four sessions, and a draft has been developed that includes learning objectives and content. The expected effects of the program on understanding the structure of the art market and the role of participants are as follows: Firstly, art major students can develop the capacity to creatively respond to livelihood issues as future artists by going beyond the perspective that professional artists should only pursue the purity of art and gaining a comprehensive understanding of the art market. Secondly, by exploring various professions related to art, learners can connect their career paths with the field of art. Thirdly, viewing artworks as a form of economic goods from a new perspective can help expand economic thinking. Fourthly, in a modern society that emphasizes diversity, learners can grasp the broad significance of art in our lives by understanding the impact of artworks on society and the economy beyond their artistic and cultural value, as future appreciators of art.
Overall, the art market has been an area of ongoing research, but there has been strong criticism of viewing artworks purely as economic goods rather than as art. Unfortunately, this perspective has not been actively introduced in school education. The researcher expects to foster students' ability to view artworks as economic goods from a new perspective and cultivate their economic thinking within a capitalist society. This will enable them to actively participate in the diverse aspects of the art world in the future. Furthermore, for students aspiring to major in art, it is hoped that through understanding the roles of various professionals functioning in the art market and creatively responding to livelihood issues as future artists, they will be motivated to develop more concrete career plans.