Acquisitions

Chan Art Advisory’s approach to acquisitions is informed by direct experience supporting curatorial and research-led acquisition activity at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where rigorous evaluation, documentation, and long-term significance are central to collecting decisions.

In today’s global art market—defined by international art fairs, overlapping auction seasons, and a constant flow of private offerings—opportunities to acquire works of art are abundant, yet increasingly complex to assess. Chan Art Advisory provides independent guidance to collectors, foundations, and institutions seeking to build or refine collections with clarity and discipline.

Our advisory emphasizes informed judgment prior to acquisition. This includes assessing artistic significance, provenance, valuation context, and institutional positioning, helping clients navigate the interconnected landscape of galleries, auctions, and private sales. Where appropriate, we discreetly assist in identifying and tracing specific works aligned with a client’s collecting objectives.

To preserve independence and avoid conflicts of interest, Chan Art Advisory is compensated directly by clients on a fee-based or project basis. Advisory services are not tied to commissions from sellers, auction houses, or galleries.​

Services May Include:

• Formal representation as a client’s buying agent at auction 

• Pre-sale viewing of auction lots on behalf of a client

• Direct price negotiation on behalf of the buyer in private sales

• Market reports on specific artists

• Visits to art fairs

• Visit to museums