Art insurance: exploring new tendencies in relation to emerging technologies, crypto art and climate change.

Abstract

This thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of art insurance, unravelling the dynamics of risk perception, professional roles, value appraisal, and the diverse spectrum of insurance policies. The study is complemented by an investigation of insurance offerings by ARTE Generali. The dissertation examines the impact of new technologies, such as online platforms and mobile applications, on fine art insurance management. It also investigates the influence of artificial intelligence on art evaluation, authentication, and market analysis through practical examples like the Wondeur case, and explores potential applications of blockchain technology in the fine art insurance realm. The analysis delves into crypto art and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), scrutinizing their structures, historical narratives, and the evolving market. It addresses emerging risks and methodologies for appraising art-related NFTs, reviewing existing coverages and advocating for tailored insurance solutions for this innovative art form. This study investigates the vital role of insurance in mitigating climate change-related risks to cultural heritage, exploring risk assessment complexities and major insurers’ potential contributions to protection projects and disaster recovery efforts. The research advocates for financial risk-sharing mechanisms and underscores the importance of comprehensive insurance policies and risk management plans by utilising the Sant’Emidio Project as an innovative example. Qualitative insights from industry professionals, gathered through interviews, enrich the dissertation, offering a comprehensive understanding of challenges and opportunities in the contemporary art insurance landscape.