Is Art Only for the Rich? New Data Says No
New data from Singulart reveals that a new generation of collectors is entering the art market, with 76% of buyers in 2025 purchasing art for the first time, most spending under €1,000.
PARIS, FR / ACCESS Newswire / May 12, 2026 /Singulart:
Is art really only for the rich?
Long seen as a symbol of exclusivity and wealth, art collecting has often felt out of reach for everyone else. Yet, that perception is beginning to shift. A new generation of collectors is emerging, purchasing hand-signed limited editions and lithographs by established artists. Proof that you do not need to be wealthy to own a piece of art history.
Access to art has long mirrored broader wealth disparities, with collecting often perceived as a privilege reserved for a limited group of affluent buyers, while many others have been priced out of the market. Today, that dynamic is beginning to shift. Limited edition prints and lithographs, produced in small numbered series and hand-signed by the artist, are opening a gateway for a new generation of first-time collectors.
Art collecting is becoming more accessible
New data from Singulart reveals that nearly 76% of buyers in 2025 were making their first purchase on the online art gallery, highlighting a significant shift in the profile of today 's collectors. These new buyers already represent almost half of all purchases, signaling a growing influx of first-time collectors into the art market.
Affordability is a key driver of this shift. 35% of purchases were made under €500, and 56% under €1,000, challenging the perception that art collecting requires significant financial means.
This trend is closely tied to the growing popularity of more accessible formats. Sales of limited edition prints and lithographs on Singulart increased by 39% between 2024 and 2025, reflecting growing demand for more accessible formats. While prints still represent a smaller share of total sales, their faster growth highlights their role as a key entry point for new collectors.
What €1,000 can get you in today 's art market
At these price points, collectors can access works that were once considered out of reach. For under €1,000, it is possible to acquire lithographs and limited edition prints by artists such as Pablo Picasso or Salvador Dalí, alongside works by contemporary artists. Produced in small numbered series, these formats offer a balance between artistic value and accessibility, making them a compelling entry point for new collectors.
"We 're seeing a real democratization of the art market. A growing number of first-time buyers are entering through more accessible formats like prints and lithographs, often discovering art online for the first time, " says Brice Lecompte, CEO at Singulart.
A shift that is here to stay
As access to art widens and first-time buyers enter the market in growing numbers, one thing is becoming clear: the idea that collecting is reserved for the privileged few is gradually losing its hold. The internet has played a central role in this shift, removing the geographical and social barriers that once defined who could participate in the art market. Where discovering and buying art once required proximity to the right galleries or the right circles, online platforms now offer transparent pricing and a global catalog to anyone, regardless of where they live or their background. Art is finding its way into more homes and more lives than ever before.
About Singulart: Founded in 2017, Singulart is a curated online art gallery based in Paris representing thousands of artists from more than 100 countries. Singulart manages the full sales process including payments, shipping, logistics, and customer support, reaching over one million monthly visitors. singulart.com
For press inquiries or interview requests, contact:
Marta Lajoso
marta.lajoso@singulart.com
SOURCE: Singulart
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