A Framework for the Professionalization of Art Collecting: Transforming Casual Collections in Brazil

The art scene has become an increasingly significant dimension of cultural globalization, marked by the complex circulation of artworks, artists, institutions, and symbolic values. Within this dynamic ecosystem shaped by curators, gallerists, museums, and art fairs, this article positions the collector as a central figure whose influence extends well beyond the private acquisition of art. Acting as cultural mediators, collectors play a pivotal role in shaping access, determining value, and facilitating the international mobility of art, thereby contributing to the formation of transnational networks. While traditionally seen as private individuals motivated by personal or aesthetic interests, collectors also operate as agents of global cultural projection, enabling the integration of artists and artworks into international circuits. Through a combination of theoretical analysis and empirical evidence from data on Brazilian collectors’ behaviour, this research highlights how the collector behaviour influences the market dynamics and the international visibility of local art scenes. The findings underscore the potential of a more professional collector, an individual who builds a collection strategically and with long-term intent base to act as a catalyst for the growth and global integration of the Brazilian art market.