CA · International contemporary art platformA new report published on October 28, 2026, finds that the UK art market’s growth is lagging behind other global players. Despite this, the UK continues to hold a dominant position in Europe, maintaining over 50% of the continent’s art market share.
The report highlights that London remains a major international hub for art, but 65% of employer-registered art businesses are based outside the capital, reflecting a broad distribution of art enterprises across the UK. This suggests a diverse art ecosystem beyond London.
Financially, the UK art market was valued at £8 billion in 2025, making it the second largest in the world by sales value. However, growth challenges persist, especially for smaller businesses. According to the report, 89% of UK art businesses reported annual sales below £1 million, indicating that many operate with limited resources.
This prevalence of small-scale businesses means that regulatory obligations could present a significant burden for these teams. The sector supports the livelihoods of an estimated 62,800 visual artists, underlining its importance to the creative economy.
Overall, the report presents a picture of a substantial but cautiously growing UK art market, with strong European influence but facing increasing international competition.
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