Cracks in the Canvas: The Art Market's Sustainability Challenge
By Cheryl Lin, University of California, Berkeley
The global art market stands at a critical crossroads between cultural preservation and environmental responsibility. As museums, galleries, and auction houses continue their vital work of protecting and promoting artistic heritage, they face mounting evidence that their traditional practices contribute significantly to environmental degradation. This research examines the environmental impact of the art market's core operations while exploring practical solutions that could transform the industry into a leader in sustainability.
Figure 1: Estimated Percentage Reduction in Carbon Footprint Due to Sustainable Practices
Energy Consumption: Heating, Lighting, & Humidity
At the heart of artwork preservation lies a paradox: the very systems designed to protect our cultural heritage are contributing to environmental degradation that threatens our collective future. Art institutions require precise environmental conditions to preserve their collections, maintaining strict temperature and humidity controls that demand enormous energy resources. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York exemplifies this challenge, operating sophisticated climate control systems around the clock to maintain optimal conditions for its priceless collection.
These climate control systems, typically powered by fossil fuels, create a substantial carbon footprint. The standard requirements of maintaining temperature at approximately 70°F (21°C) and 50% relative humidity force HVAC systems to operate continuously, consuming energy at rates comparable to small residential neighborhoods. This energy consumption becomes even more problematic when considering the additional burden of artwork illumination.
Lighting in art institutions presents its own set of environmental challenges. Traditional lighting systems, particularly incandescent and halogen bulbs, not only consume significant energy but also generate excess heat. This heat creation triggers a vicious cycle: as lighting systems warm exhibition spaces, climate control systems must work harder to maintain optimal temperatures, further increasing energy consumption. The cumulative effect is a substantial carbon footprint that extends far beyond the visible impact of these institutions.
However, progressive institutions are demonstrating that sustainable alternatives exist. The National Gallery in London has initiated the implementation of LED lighting systems, achieving a remarkable 85% reduction in lighting-related energy consumption. Similarly, the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), a leading research organization dedicated to advancing conservation practices, has made significant strides in developing sustainable strategies for art preservation. Their groundbreaking research through the "Establishing Sustainable Environmental Strategy" project has demonstrated that slightly broader temperature and humidity ranges can safely protect artwork while significantly reducing energy consumption. Michał Łukomski, the Project Lead and Senior Scientist for the initiative, acknowledged that while some institutions may hesitate to shift away from traditional climate standards, embracing such changes is a necessary step toward ensuring the long-term preservation of both cultural heritage and the planet. Łukomski also highlighted the financial benefits of such strategies, noting that reducing the reliance on rigid climate controls not only lowers operating costs but also minimizes the risk of catastrophic loss during emergencies, such as equipment failures or natural disasters.
Figure 2: Table of Plastic Film Alternatives for Packaging
Art Transportation & Packaging
The movement of art across the globe represents another significant environmental challenge. The art market's reliance on air transportation, while ensuring swift and secure delivery of valuable pieces, comes at a considerable environmental cost. A single medium-sized artwork weighing approximately 50 pounds, when shipped by air from New York to Los Angeles, generates about 86 kilograms of CO₂ emissions. When multiplied across the thousands of artworks shipped globally each year, the cumulative impact becomes staggering.
The packaging materials used to protect these traveling artworks present an equally pressing environmental concern. Current industry standards favor single-use materials, including custom-built wooden crates, foam padding, and plastic wrapping. These materials, designed to provide maximum protection, often end up in landfills after just one use. The environmental impact extends beyond waste accumulation; the production of these materials contributes to deforestation, while their disposal can release harmful toxins into the environment.
Yet, forward-thinking galleries are proving that alternatives exist. Hauser & Wirth's pioneering shift to sea freight for international art transportation has demonstrated remarkable results, reducing their carbon emissions by over 200 tons in a single year. This success story illustrates how strategic changes in transportation methods can significantly reduce environmental impact without compromising artwork safety. Complementing these efforts, the Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC) has spearheaded initiatives to develop alternatives to single-use packaging materials. Their research on plastic alternatives highlights the potential of biodegradable and reusable materials, such as non-archival and bio-based packaging, to replace traditional plastics.
Figure 3: Carbon Emissions Breakdown in the Art Sector (Excluding Visitor Travel)
Art Tourism
Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of the art market's environmental impact comes from the movement of people rather than artwork. The global network of art fairs, exhibitions, and auctions draws collectors, curators, and enthusiasts from around the world, generating significant carbon emissions through air travel. When including visitor travel, the global art sector's annual carbon footprint swells to approximately 70 million metric tons of CO₂, nearly four times the emissions generated by institutional operations alone.
The COVID-19 pandemic, while devastating for the art market in many ways, offered a glimpse into alternative pathways for the art market. As physical events were curtailed, digital innovations surged to the forefront, with virtual exhibitions, online auctions, and digital viewing rooms demonstrating their potential. These tools proved that meaningful engagement with art is possible without the need for extensive travel. Beyond their environmental benefits, such platforms democratize access to art, enabling broader participation and connecting audiences who might otherwise never set foot in a gallery or art fair.
Figure 4: Impact of Sustainability Practices on Art Exhibition Success (Rated on a Scale from 1-5)
Charting a Sustainable Future
The art market's journey toward sustainability demands a balance between preservation and innovation. Institutions like the National Gallery and Hauser & Wirth have shown that environmental responsibility can coexist with artistic integrity and cultural preservation. By adopting energy-efficient technologies, rethinking transportation, and embracing digital platforms, the art sector can reduce its environmental footprint.
Achieving sustainability requires collective effort. Museums and galleries must lead by innovating their practices, while collectors and visitors play a key role through informed choices and advocacy. As Michał Łukomski noted, “Museums cannot truly be for the people if their practices harm the environment or negatively affect the communities’ living spaces.” This highlights the need for cultural institutions to align their operations with environmental responsibility, fostering a positive impact on both the planet and society.
As we look to the future, the art market's commitment to sustainability must equal its commitment to cultural preservation. The sector has the opportunity to demonstrate how traditional institutions can adapt to meet environmental challenges while fulfilling their core mission. By protecting not only the artworks but also the environment that inspires them, the art market can ensure its role in preserving cultural heritage and shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.
Cover Photo from Andrew Neel, Photo of Assorted Print Painting Lot, from Pexels.
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Fantastic work! This was an incredibly interesting read.