Project:

Economy of art of the Rio de Janeiro circuit

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Abstract:

The economy of art is commonly approached by focusing on the commercialization of artworks. However, there is much more to the relationship between who pays and who is paid for making the activities and institutions function than the luxury image usually associated with the universe of large
commercial galleries. Regardless of this reductive view on the circulation of income in the so-called visual arts, its economy is a much more complex and arcane subject, not only for those who are just starting out in that field, but also for seasoned professionals. There is very little research on this theme, which frequently results in analyses based solely on individual experiences. The current project aims to study the art economy of the art circuit of Rio de Janeiro, encompassing its many actors. The research will address different temporalities, taking note of what is permanent and what has transformed, to contribute to a bibliographical revision, with qualitative and quantitative research for the collection of data and case studies. In this way, this investigation aims to contribute to efforts for systematizing information on this topic, to expand the dialogue between art history and social and cultural studies, such as cultural economics.