Collecting in the Americas, on the eve of Art Basel Miami Beach

Art Basel Miami Beach is where the art worlds of the Americas meet, bringing together artists, galleries, curators, and collectors from across North and South America, with a strong roster of galleries from Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, and the Caribbean. As fair week approaches, we look at what the Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting 2025 tells us about collectors surveyed in the United States and Brazil. The findings suggest collectors are confident, curious, and ready to engage.

Despite an uncertain global backdrop, sentiment is bright. 84% of high-net-worth collectors surveyed expect the market to perform well through year end 2025, and 81% are positive on the year ahead – and curiosity is powering that confidence. 66% of collectors surveyed bought an artist who was new to them this year, the strongest appetite for discovery recorded by the survey.

John Mathews, Head of Private Wealth Management for the Americas, UBS Global Wealth Management, notes that “Despite ongoing global uncertainty, the 2025 Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting reveals that engagement with art remains robust, especially among younger and female collectors. The United States stands out with the highest proportion of new buyers and a notable prevalence of inherited art. As more than USD 83 trillion is expected to change hands globally over the next two decades, with women poised to control an increasing share, this survey offers valuable insights into the emerging priorities of the next generation of collectors.”

Collections in the survey are also moving toward a balance between male and female artists: across all markets, works by women account for 44% of holdings. In the United States the share is 48%, and among women collectors in the region it rises to 55%.

Carola Wiese, Senior Art Advisor, UBS Global Wealth Management, reflects on this trend: “Women and younger collectors are playing an important role in shaping contemporary art collecting practices. For many, art is a passion pursuit and a meaningful way to engage with culture, community, and personal interests. Female collectors are increasingly interested in discovering new artists and actively supporting female artists. Together, these developments point toward a more inclusive and interconnected art ecosystem.”

Indeed, the Survey reveals how fresh entrants are reshaping the market. The United States has the highest share of new buyers at 26%, with Brazil following closely at 23%. These new buyers are also bringing new patterns, with digital art gaining momentum. Just over half of collectors acquired a digital work in the past year, and spending on digital now sits alongside sculpture as a meaningful category, on par at 14% for each.

How people buy is shifting as well. Among those surveyed, dealers remain central, yet fairs have gained ground. 58% of collectors made a fair related purchase this year. At the same time, direct engagement with artists is now part of the mainstream. 63% purchased directly from artists by visiting studios, commissioning works, or buying via social media channels. However, regional habits matter – in Brazil, only 8% of collectors like to buy from dealers via Instagram, instead preferring to transact in person. By value, Brazil channels the highest share to fairs and to auctions, while the United States leans more toward direct dealer sales. Together these habits form a North South duet. Brazil’s market is event driven and personal, and the United States is relationship led through dealers.

Valéria Milani, Head of Sales at UBS MFO Consenso, further adds:“The 2025 Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting reveals how collectors are becoming more engaged, connected, and active. Brazil, in specific, stands out for its strong appetite for established artists and its leading engagement with art fairs. With 72% of high-net-worth collectors plan to acquire works in the next 12 months and 69% intending to attend more art events in 2026, the country continues to demonstrate both maturity and good momentum. These indicators reinforce the country’s relevance in the global collecting landscape.”

The Survey reveals that buying intent is strongest in Brazil. 72% of Brazilian high net worth collectors plan to purchase art over the next twelve months, while in the United States, 42% of surveyed individuals intend to buy.

The findings also point to engagement deepening on the ground. For 2026, Brazil and the United States lead globally in plans to increase attendance at art events, at 69% and 65% respectively, with almost all collectors planning to attend and nearly half planning to attend more. Discovery is happening face to face again – openings, studio visits, and fairs are back at the heart of the calendar.

Matthew Newton, Head of Art Advisory Americas, UBS Global Wealth Management, shares this optimism:“The 2025 Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting reveals a bright outlook, including strong engagement from female collectors and an openness to new artists. Even as the market continues to recalibrate, a large majority of high-net-worth individuals (84%) say they are optimistic about the future of the global art market, and nearly all (96%) plan to attend art events. The survey shows collectors continuing to champion underrepresented voices and living artists while building collections that reflect their social responsibility and engagement.”

Art Basel Miami Beach offers a unique opportunity to experience the market in the Americas at scale. With hundreds of galleries from across the globe – and a particularly strong presence from North and South America – the fair highlights Latinx, Indigenous, and diasporic voices that play an important role in many collections today.

Join us in Miami and experience the energy on the ground!

Discover how UBS is participating at the fair through our UBS Lounge display and the public UBS Art Studio activation, both spotlighting works from the UBS Art Collection.