The Call For A Prints-Focused Industry Offsite: Why OPEN EDITION Is Long Overdue

CS: As someone deeply entrenched in the world of prints, I recently had the privilege of speaking at the Art Business Conference on a panel discussing the prints market. It was an insightful experience with some intriguing topics, but something struck me during the event - despite the growing prominence of prints within the art world, there remains no platform dedicated solely to exploring this unique and dynamic sector. MyArtBroker, our partners, friends and clients are uniquely positioned to do so.

The prints market is unlike any other corner of the art world. It straddles the primary and secondary markets, the fine art and investment market, and serves a diverse array of collectors and professionals. It has evolved to hold significant weight in the investment and asset space. Yet, there’s a glaring gap when it comes to providing a space for the industry to gather, share expertise, and dive into the nuances of what makes prints so compelling.

That’s where OPEN EDITION comes in.

CS: The idea for OPEN EDITION was born from the realisation that this market needs a space to breathe, to grow, and to connect. Prints are often misunderstood or undervalued outside the inner circle of industry professionals and dedicated collectors. Alternatively, they are sometimes overvalued in the blue-chip gallery space, where the gallery - not the artist or market demand - dictates their value.

This is despite their rich history, cultural significance, and the context confuses people especially in their increasing recognition as investment-grade assets. There is too much noise around art as an asset class, too much misinformation and biased data. What better way to cut through that than in the basic form of an ‘access all areas’ online event where the real participants are able to contribute their unique perspectives?

The goal of OPEN EDITION is simple but profound: to create an “industry offsite, with access to all.” This is not just for seasoned professionals who navigate this world daily but also for collectors - whether seasoned or just starting out - who want to better understand the value and opportunities within the prints market.

CS: Prints have a unique ability to democratise art ownership, offering collectors an entry point that is often more accessible than other mediums, particularly for era defining artists that many may think are untouchable. But, it also represents a comps market with a unique set of data value points, where original one-of-a-kind artwork cannot, and never will be, able to provide. The market also presents a pathway for artists to expand their reach, allowing their work to exist in multiple spaces simultaneously.

The cultural history of prints is also a less discussed area, one that lends itself particularly to collectors looking to widen their understanding of artists, artistic movements, and what we mean when we discuss artwork value.

At the same time, the print market is becoming increasingly sophisticated. From primary publishers driving innovation to secondary market experts navigating the world of blue chip prints, this market is rich with expertise. However, this level of expertise is limited to those players that really understand the market because they’ve lived in it for many years, and have worked tirelessly with artworks to assess them, value them, preserve and care for them. Add to that the importance of meeting collectors expectations, protecting fair market value and innovating access and transparency in the market, and you begin to see why an event like OPEN EDITION is so essential.

OPEN EDITION will not only provide a platform to celebrate and explore the prints market, but also look ahead to the future. Together, we’ll examine what to expect in the coming year, from emerging trends and shifts in collector demand to the greatest challenges and opportunities facing the market.

This gathering is also a chance to deepen collaborations across the industry. We’re committed to working alongside our partners with greater vigor than ever, fostering relationships that strengthen the entire ecosystem - publishers, galleries, collectors, conservationists, and beyond.

CS: OPEN EDITION isn’t just for those already deeply embedded in the market. It’s for anyone with a curiosity about prints - whether they’re drawn to their aesthetic, their cultural value, or their potential as an asset class. The event will offer a chance to hear from industry leaders, explore emerging trends, and gain insight into the market’s future.

For professionals, it’s a chance to connect with peers and elevate their understanding of the market, hear others' predictions and challenges. For collectors, it’s an opportunity to learn directly from the best in the business - publishers, secondary market specialists, and conservation experts alike.

The prints market is at an exciting juncture, and OPEN EDITION is an invitation to be part of its next chapter. Whether you’re a professional looking to expand your network and knowledge or a collector eager to better understand this fascinating world, this event is for you.