The Art World: Where is it going?

The art world has experienced change over the past few years. Art changes with the time, not only in the artists composition but in the direction that the industry is moving. 


In a 2006 article, CNN it is stated that the art empire is moving out of the United States and Europe. If you look through text books and art history, there has been much emphasis placed on the Western world and eventually art made its way to the US, where artists really began to emerge in the 18th and 19th centuries. The current main runners of the art industry are the major auction houses like Christie's and Sotheby's but what is making them major runners is that now they cater to art collectors all over the world. Art appreciation is not just concentrated in Europe and the US. 


Globalization also affects the artist, not just the industry. With globalization comes the progression in technology which is not only used as a medium to artists but also as inspiration. The article references the works of Andy Warhol, who was a significant figure in the movement of contemporary art. 


I am passionate about art museums and getting the community involved. I grew up in the arts world so I understand the importance of arts in education and the society as a whole. When we think about globalization, we understand there are both positive and negative aspects. Globalization has negative (and positive) effects on the country's economy. However, the globalization of the arts is actually helping some economies economically. With globalization, more museums are trying to think to what they can do to improve. What can they do to draw more visitors? Visitors make a major impact on the economy, especially on communities who rely on tourism as a major factor into their economy. Museums are doing more to not only make their buildings more aesthetically appealing but also making their exhibits more appealing to a wide range of viewers. 


Many museums are beginning to reach out to architects and designers to help them redesign. A US design firm that is globalizing the world by design would be Jack Rouse Associates. They work to help resdesign museums to help improve the experience of the viewer. They believe that you should leave an establishment, in this case a museum, and feel moved by the experience. This is exactly what we are trying to do on a local level and having JRA help in the design of the new additions to our very own South Carolina State Museum. 


Globalization is having another positive effect on museums and the art industry as it is allowing museums and galleries to collaborate. My career goal is to hopefully work for an art museum or gallery and work with promotion of the museum and exhibits to help get the community more involved and aware in and of the arts. Many museums are beginning to have traveling exhibits that help them build these relationships both on national and international levels.