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Art Legacy Planning: Securing the Future of Your Collection

May 10, 2025

For art collectors, legacy planning is one of the most important, yet least discussed, aspects of building a collection. While many focus on acquiring beautiful works or securing investment-grade pieces, few consider what happens to their collection over time, especially after they’re no longer around to manage it. Legacy planning ensures your collection carries forward your values, tells your story, and continues to have cultural or philanthropic impact well into the future.

In this article, we explore why legacy planning matters, what collectors often overlook, and how to start the process with confidence. To better understand the nuances of this process, we requested the expertise of Nina Kong-Surtees, Founder and Chief Art Legacy Advisor of smART Advisory. With a background that blends curation, technology, and cultural stewardship, Nina helps collectors craft legacy strategies that reflect not only their taste but their vision for the future.

Why Art Legacy Planning Matters

Art collections are more than just a group of objects; they are living representations of the collector’s identity, passion, and purpose. Legacy planning offers a framework for turning a personal collection into a cultural contribution. Without thoughtful planning, even the most significant collections can lose context, fall into disrepair, or become a burden for heirs.

Art can also be a vital part of your estate. Whether it’s passed on to family, donated to an institution, or sold to fund philanthropic efforts, a plan allows you to control the narrative. It’s not just about what’s being left behind, but how.

Start With Your Values

Every collection begins with a story. Maybe it’s about preserving cultural history, championing underrepresented artists, or building community through art. These motivations should also shape what happens to your collection over time.

[Placeholder for additional quote from Nina on how she helps collectors uncover and define those values. Prompt: "In your experience, how do you help collectors articulate the personal meaning behind their collection?"]

What Most Art Collectors Overlook

While much energy goes into acquiring art, legacy planning is often an afterthought. Critical components such as documentation, provenance, condition reports, and artist correspondence are frequently neglected. These are the elements that preserve not just the value but the historical and cultural integrity of a collection. Invisible threads like provenance and documentation are what hold a collection together. Without them, works can lose their meaning and their value.

Another critical but often overlooked area is succession planning. Who will take care of the collection? What happens if heirs aren’t interested or equipped to manage it? Planning for stewardship whether through family, institutions, or charitable foundations ensures that your intentions are carried out.

[Placeholder for quote from Nina on succession and family dynamics. Prompt: "What advice do you give collectors whose heirs may not be interested in the art or lack the knowledge to care for it?"]

Collectors sometimes assume that museums or galleries will readily accept a donation, but without the proper groundwork, condition reporting, appraisals, and an articulated curatorial rationale, institutions may decline the gift.

[Placeholder for quote from Nina on common pitfalls or misunderstandings in gifting. Prompt: "What are some misconceptions collectors have when it comes to donating to institutions?"]

Planning Tools and Art Legacy Advisors

Legacy planning isn’t a solo endeavor. It involves collaboration between estate attorneys, appraisers, art advisors, and sometimes, an art legacy advisor. While traditional art advisors may focus on acquisitions and investment potential, legacy advisors provide a more holistic approach. They collectors articulate and activate the ‘why’ behind their collection. That means integrating creative vision with practical steps whether it’s preparing for a museum loan, making a donation, or educating the next generation.

[Placeholder for quote from Nina on working with multiple stakeholders. Prompt: "How do you collaborate with other professionals like estate lawyers or museums to ensure a legacy plan is successful?"]

Thinking Beyond the Home

Planning for the future of your collection also means considering where it will live. Will it be donated to an institution? Loaned for exhibitions? Stored for posterity? A legacy plan can include strategic gifting, charitable donations, or even setting up a private foundation. Collectors today are exploring more dynamic possibilities, including art residencies, traveling exhibitions, and partnerships with community organizations. These models not only preserve the work but continue the collector’s mission.

[Placeholder for quote from Nina on innovative placement strategies. Prompt: "Can you share an example of a creative or non-traditional way a collector has chosen to share their legacy?"]

The Evolving Role of Women in Legacy Building

Women are playing an increasingly powerful role in shaping the future of art collecting and how collections are preserved. With a focus on inclusivity, education, and cultural impact, more women are collecting with intention and planning for the long term. Legacy planning can be especially empowering for women, helping them step into their role as cultural stewards with clarity and confidence.

[Placeholder for quote from Nina on how women approach legacy differently. Prompt: "How do you see legacy planning as a tool of empowerment for women in the art world?"]

How to Get Started

Legacy planning doesn’t require a massive collection or a museum-worthy archive. It starts with asking the right questions:

What do I want my collection to say about me?
Who should benefit from it?
How can I ensure it’s preserved, understood, and appreciated?

Begin by documenting your collection thoroughly. Engage with professionals who can help with valuation, conservation, and legal planning. Most importantly, make your wishes known. Legacy planning is a long-term conversation and the earlier you start, the more options you have and the more intentional your impact can be.

[Placeholder for quote from Nina on first steps. Prompt: "What’s the first thing you recommend a collector do if they’re thinking about legacy planning but feel overwhelmed?"]