2025 trends and forecasts
Repatriation in 2025: innovation over resolution
The debate around repatriation will continue in 2025, but major changes remain unlikely. Museums and galleries are finding creative ways to address repatriation requests, such as loaning artefacts, which navigates the legal barriers to permanent returns.
Emerging technology could add a new dimension to the discussion. Tools that can scan and replicate contested works, like the recreation of ancient cave drawings in Brazil, offer innovative solutions in this ongoing debate. However, the issue remains complex and far from resolved.
AI in art attribution: helpful, but not a game-changer
AI is being used to analyse brushstrokes and signatures in art attribution disputes, complementing traditional forensic techniques like pigment testing.
However, its current limitations are clear. Many Old Masters only painted parts of their works, relying on studio assistants - nuances AI struggles to grasp. While a powerful tool, AI still can’t replace the trained eye of an art expert in navigating the complexities of provenance.
AI forgeries: the rise of the perfect fake?
AI can, of course, be exploited to produce counterfeits. However, while forging classical works will remain difficult for AI to achieve, replicating contemporary works could be more straightforward. Artists and dealers are experts at spotting forgeries, but AI undoubtedly increases the chances of a well-crafted fake slipping through the net.
"Artists and dealers are experts at spotting forgeries, but AI undoubtedly increases the chances of a well-crafted fake slipping through the net."
New import rules: more red tape for the art market?
The new EU Import Regulation on Cultural Goods, which is set to be introduced in June 2025, will make life that bit harder for those looking to export from the UK into Europe. This will serve to further diminish the appeal of London to continental art dealers, which has already been dampened post-Brexit.
Meanwhile, developments within Italian courts, which are examining whether the Italian Government should be allowed an indefinite period to revoke export licences which have previously been granted, will also doubtless capture the attention of the market in 2025.
The percentage of collectors most worried about risk of art fraud
The 2024 Wealth Report, Chubb Insurance
What we saw in 2024
Getty v Stability AI: A landmark battle over AI and copyright
The Getty Images v Stability AI case is pivotal for both rightsholders and AI developers. Getty claims its copyrighted images were used without permission to train Stability AI’s model, raising major legal questions.
Stability AI argues the UK court lacks jurisdiction since training happened overseas. It also introduced a pastiche defense, claiming AI-generated images imitate broad artistic styles rather than copying specific works.
The outcome could be game-changing. A win for Stability AI might push developers to train models outside UK legal reach, sparking calls for stronger copyright protections. A Getty victory could pave the way for a wave of similar claims from content owners.
Art & Cultural Property Disputes
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