How to buy art on a Dh10,000 budget

Where to begin

Whether you’re new to the Middle East or have resided here for most of your life, your experience of living anywhere can be enriched by collecting works of art from local and regional artists.

However, there is a perceived complexity to starting an art collection.

The art world can seem intimidating to navigate and the question of where to start or how to start can be daunting enough to stop anyone from even walking into an art gallery. For a novice, the concept of collecting art is associated with those who are either formally educated in the field or who have a vast expendable income.

Nothing can be further from the truth.

Headlines announcing record-breaking sale prices for the works of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Jean-Michel Basquiat or Banksy can deter anyone who might be considering starting a collection.

It’s important to know that these “top-tier” artist are sometimes exceptions within the art market, but the art world is much more diverse when it comes to the number of artists and works available for sale.

In fact, the art world is so varied within the Mena region and further out across the Global South, that it would be impossible not to find works that cater to your taste and budget.

If the art world, or even your own taste is confusing, you’re not alone – here’s a simple guide on why, how and where to start building your art collection with a budget.

What is an art collection?

Art is not only a painting you hang on your wall. Art is also photography, prints, sculpture, installation, digital art and more. Art can be small or gigantic, be part of your interior or an outdoor installation, it can also be a single piece or part of a series.

An art collection specifically can include all of these or focus on only one medium or style. There are no rules on the type of art you’re supposed to collect and that’s what makes every collection unique.

You and your evolving taste can be the cohesive thread across a collection.

Why should you start an art collection?

Starting an art collection has many benefits.

Firstly, it’s a way to extend your personal taste into the interior of your home. It’s also a means to tell a story about your own cultural journey, recording what you liked and what you experienced during a particular time in your life.

“If you want to start an art collection, I’d recommend you think of it as part of a story you would want to pass on and share about your time,” says Amad Mian, co-founder and curator of Dastaangoi Gallery.

“It’s something to pass on to your children and a nice way of adding storytelling and beauty to your home.”

Mian says art has the power to encapsulate people and take them on a personal journey. It’s a sentiment echoed by Ashkan Baghestani, director for Middle Eastern and Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s, who also believes that collecting art is a personal experience for everyone.

“The benefits of starting your own art collection cannot be understated,” Baghestani says.

“Some of what you can look forward to includes developing your knowledge of art, honing your eye, getting to know your own taste - and of course, building a legacy.”

When starting an art collection, particularly if one is acquiring contemporary works, you are also picking up potentially significant pieces that speak directly to topical themes and issues, says Baghestani.

“I am a strong believer in collecting artists from my own generation, whose works speak to my time on this Earth, whether they are social or environmental issues, or new technologies.

“To do this, you can build relationships with younger, upcoming galleries and it is also a great way to support young talent.”

Another potential benefit of starting an art collection is inadvertently contributing to the artistic and cultural ecosystem. This is particularly important in the region, which is currently experiencing a growth in the number of art galleries and institutions opening.

“Building an art collection often means directly supporting artists, especially when purchasing contemporary works,” says Giuseppe Moscatello, an art director in Dubai.

“This support is crucial for the sustainability of artists' careers and the overall health of the art ecosystem.”

As the art scene across many facets continues to gather momentum in the region, the culture of collection can help grow and solidify an artistic community and ecosystem in a multitude of ways.

“Collecting art also increases the profile of the collectors, leading to new social opportunities, from gallery openings and museum exhibitions to discussions with fellow collectors and artists,” Moscatello says.

“It's a way to become part of a community with shared interests, which is often a refined one.”

Figuring out your budget

Let’s begin with the most crucial point – money.

If you’ve always been interested in art collecting but have no idea how to start, begin with a modest budget. Contrary to popular belief, you can start and even continue collecting an impressive collection with a budget of Dh10,000 a year.

“Starting an art collection with a budget of Dh10,000 is certainly possible,” Moscatello says.

“Concentrate on acquiring pieces from emerging artists. Their works are typically more accessible, financially, than those of well-established artists. This not only aligns with your budget but also holds the possibility for appreciation as the artists become more recognised.”

Having a modest budget doesn’t necessarily mean that one must collect only the works of emerging artists.

Moscatello highlights that collecting affordable prints, limited editions or smaller pieces of more top-tier artists can be a satisfying alternative. The key is to spend your budget over time and to select high-quality pieces rather than a larger number of less significant ones.

“Each addition should meaningfully contribute to the overarching narrative and value of your collection,” he adds.

“Building a valuable art collection is a long-term journey. With patience, your collection will develop and mature, allowing for thoughtful acquisitions that add significance.”

Mian also advises on diversifying the type of artists, both in terms of their background and what stage in their career they’re at, to adhere to a Dh10,000 budget.

“If you start looking at artists within the Global South, you can find some incredible works that fit within that budget,” he says.

“Younger artists who are incredibly talented, or some smaller works from more well-known artists, can still fit within this budget. I would always advise to go with emerging artists, however.”

Do your research

Now that you have a yearly budget in mind, the fun part can begin – looking at art.

Whether you’re a novice or know a thing or two about art, the best way to start your collection journey is by research.

First, visit as many galleries, museums and art fairs as you can. These spaces will introduce you to a varied number of artists, styles, periods and mediums while providing you with an opportunity to get up close and understand art. It should become part of your lifestyle, a fun part of your social calendar to visit exhibition openings and shows.

To really have your finger on the pulse, Mian recommends attending end-of-year exhibitions at art schools.

“I would start by looking at artist residencies and following art schools’ thesis exhibitions,” he says.

“Start looking at the foundations of where great artists have come from. Build a relationship with them from when they are beginning their career and follow them as they grow.”

Attending art events and institutions is also an easy way to start building relationships with gallery owners, curators, art advisers and experts. Not only can they offer advice, recommend work fitting your budget and assist with acquisitions, but they are also there to answer questions. Never be afraid to ask a question about art, artists, or the collecting process.

It’s also important to attend talks, lectures, guided tours and read publications that specialise in art. Reading about art, particularly interviews with artists, is an insightful way to understand the subject through the intention of artists.

Moscatello believes that studying art market reports, along with your own research, is beneficial when starting a collection. An effective strategy he recommends when, for example, concentrating on emerging artists, is to contact them directly.

“Dedicate time to research, especially on social media, to identify the most unknown and undiscovered talents,” he says.

“Try reaching out to them directly, visit their studios and engage in conversations. Artists appreciate this interaction, especially if it expands their horizons. If you can also add intellectual value to their research, even better.”

Buy what you like

As you visit galleries and learn more about art, it’s important to notice what you like and don’t like. Hone in on your taste and question why and how certain pieces appeal to your senses and others don’t. This process will help you familiarise which works and artists inspire you and how they may sit within your collection.

Some collectors enjoy acquiring works under a particular theme, for example African art, female artists, or modern Arab artists. This is only possible after you understand different styles and movements and know what speaks to your sensibilities. However, collecting under a theme isn’t necessary. It’s always important to first buy pieces that you, on an instinctual level, enjoy.

“People should start an art collection primarily to acquire works they enjoy, rather than seeing art solely as a commodity that might appreciate in value over time,” Moscatello says.

“Choosing pieces that speak to you or resonate with your personal taste can enrich your living or working spaces, offering a source of daily inspiration and satisfaction.”

This at times may conflict with what the market is telling you to buy but your personal taste and instincts, which will develop as you immerse yourself in the art world, shouldn’t be overlooked in favour of what’s trending.

Starting out as a collector, your choices should be based on your research but guided by personal taste. A balance should be struck between commerce and enjoyment, Baghestani agrees, but having a connection with the art you buy is the final payoff.

“One should buy smartly – that means, doing the research in terms of market and pricing, and not overpaying, but above all always buying what you love and connect with,” he says.

“If one day in the future your artwork isn’t worth anything, at least you have a connection to it and can still enjoy it for what it is!”

Common mistakes

Like any market, works shouldn’t be bought on impulse. While you may find a piece that you like on instinct, that doesn’t mean you should buy it without researching the artist.

“Neglecting to investigate the provenance, market value, or authenticity of artwork can result in overpaying or acquiring works that may not hold their significance,” Moscatello says.

Another mistake, he says, is acquiring works because they are currently trending or based on other people’s recommendations. Again, the right research and buying what you like and not what you’re told to like, will prevent you from making this common mistake.

Having a modest budget, and even being modest within that budget, will help you to consider and evaluate each purchase you make. Collecting art is a journey, not a race, and it should be a pleasurable one.

“A common mistake is quantity over quality,” Baghestani says.

“My advice would be to buy two or three good pieces a year, even if you have a higher budget, rather than buying 10 things with the same amount. There is no rush, art collecting can become a life-long passion.”