The article discusses the inaugural edition of Art Basel Zero 10, which showcased digital art for the first time. The event was successful, with strong sales and interest from collectors. Digital art is now a core acquisition category in the art market, with 51% of high-net-worth collectors reporting a purchase.
Several exhibitors mentioned that cryptocurrency played a role in some transactions, particularly among crypto-native buyers who were looking to park value in digital-friendly assets during a period of intensified market turbulence. Some galleries accepted payments in both USD and cryptocurrency, while others, like Solos Gallery, offered the option for collectors to hold their works in custodial wallets or transfer them to their own wallets if they preferred.
The article notes that the art market still sits atop a largely untapped pool of liquidity that could be activated by accepting crypto payments more broadly. Recognizing the different profile of buyers that crypto can bring into the fold, galleries like Solos Gallery and Beeple are already experimenting with cryptocurrency as a payment option.
Overall, Art Basel Zero 10 marked an important milestone for digital art in the mainstream market, and its success may pave the way for further acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate means of payment in the art world.
Several exhibitors mentioned that cryptocurrency played a role in some transactions, particularly among crypto-native buyers who were looking to park value in digital-friendly assets during a period of intensified market turbulence. Some galleries accepted payments in both USD and cryptocurrency, while others, like Solos Gallery, offered the option for collectors to hold their works in custodial wallets or transfer them to their own wallets if they preferred.
The article notes that the art market still sits atop a largely untapped pool of liquidity that could be activated by accepting crypto payments more broadly. Recognizing the different profile of buyers that crypto can bring into the fold, galleries like Solos Gallery and Beeple are already experimenting with cryptocurrency as a payment option.
Overall, Art Basel Zero 10 marked an important milestone for digital art in the mainstream market, and its success may pave the way for further acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate means of payment in the art world.