Introduction

In the art world, the terms “art consultancy” and “art advisory” are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t quite the same. For collectors, especially those building significant collections, understanding the difference can be crucial in choosing the right partner.

At Mercer Contemporary, we provide art advisory services tailored to collectors at every stage, from first acquisitions to legacy planning. Here’s how art consultancy and art advisory differ and why the distinction matters.

1. Scope of Services

  • Art Consultancy
    Typically project-based, art consultancy services often focus on selecting artworks for specific needs, such as corporate offices, hotels, or interior design projects. The scope is narrower and more transactional.
  • Art Advisory
    Advisory is holistic and long-term. Advisors work with private collectors, families, and institutions to:
    • Build cohesive collections.
    • Provide access to rare works and artists.
    • Manage every aspect of ownership: acquisition, shipping, insurance, conservation, and legacy planning.

Related: Art Advisory: The Complete Guide for Collectors

2. Audience & Clients

  • Art Consultancy
    Often geared toward corporate or decorative clients, art consultants may be hired by developers, designers, or businesses seeking art to complement a space.
  • Art Advisory
    Primarily serves private UHNW collectors, families, and philanthropists who view art as both cultural capital and financial investment. Advisory clients want more than décor, they want collections that carry meaning, value, and legacy.

3. Market Access

  • Art Consultancy
    Consultants may source works from galleries, auctions, or online platforms, but access is often limited to works that are readily available.
  • Art Advisory
    Advisors leverage deep, trusted relationships with galleries, auction houses, and museums to secure:
    • Exclusive opportunities and rare works.
    • Priority access to sought-after artists.
    • Invitations to museum previews, acquisition committees, and collector events.

Related: How Do UHNW Collectors Acquire Art Privately?

4. Investment & Strategy

  • Art Consultancy
    Rarely provides financial analysis. Consultants typically help select works that suit an aesthetic or budget without long-term strategy.
  • Art Advisory
    Advisory combines connoisseurship with market intelligence. At Mercer Contemporary, we:
    • Analyze resale markets and artist trajectories.
    • Advise on works most likely to hold or grow in value.
    • Counsel collectors to buy the best work available by an artist, even if it means stretching their budget.

5. Collection Management

  • Art Consultancy
    In most cases, services end once artworks are purchased and installed.
  • Art Advisory
    Advisory extends to every stage of ownership, including:
    • Appraisals accepted by insurers and the IRS.
    • Insurance, shipping, and storage logistics.
    • Conservation and restoration coordination.
    • Estate and legacy planning.

Related: Fine Art Appraisals: Everything Collectors Need to Know

6. Legacy & Philanthropy

  • Art Consultancy
    Rarely addresses what happens to a collection long-term.
  • Art Advisory
    Advisory is future-oriented, helping collectors:
    • Define which works reflect their story and should be preserved.
    • Strategically deaccession works that don’t align with legacy goals.
    • Plan for museum donations or philanthropic gifts.
    • Work with attorneys and accountants to integrate art into broader estate plans.

Related: The Role of Art Advisory in Legacy Planning

Why Mercer Contemporary

Mercer Contemporary is not a consultancy, it is a full-service art advisory and appraisal firm with:

  • Over a decade of experience building and managing collections.
  • USPAP-certified appraisals, accredited by the Appraisers Association of America.
  • Access to rare works through galleries, auction houses, and museum networks.
  • Deep relationships with curators, acquisition committees, and collector communities.
  • Discretion and long-term strategy that extends beyond acquisitions into legacy.

Conclusion

While art consultancy may suit corporate projects or decorative needs, art advisory is the choice for serious collectors. The difference is scope, access, and long-term vision. For UHNW individuals and families, an art advisor is not just a service provider, they are a trusted partner in shaping collections that hold cultural, financial, and legacy value.

Mercer Contemporary offers art advisory, fine art appraisal, and legacy planning services for collectors across the U.S. and internationally. To learn more about our approach, please contact us.