Nina Kong-Surtees

Nina Kong-Surtees is a NYC-based art advisor specializing in collection management, legacy preservation, and cultural stewardship. As the Founder of smART Advisory, she bridges the gap between artists, collectors, and institutions—helping collectors build meaningful collections that appreciate in value while inspiring future generations.

With deep expertise in historically and culturally significant works, Nina guides collectors through strategic acquisitions, collection audits, and legacy planning—ensuring their private collections evolve into narratives that engage institutions and shape cultural dialogue. Her tailored approach ensures each acquisition aligns with personal values while contributing to a sustainable and inclusive art ecosystem.

With 15+ years of experience working with artist-endowed estates, nonprofit art centers, and major institutions—including the Whitney Museum of American Art and The Metropolitan Museum of Art—Nina brings a strategic perspective that helps collectors navigate the complexities of the art market while securing their place as cultural stewards.


Get to Know Me


How did you begin your career in the art world?

Art has always been in my DNA—I come from a family of artists, and creativity was a natural part of my upbringing. However, it wasn’t just my environment that shaped my path; it was my deep curiosity that led me to explore the art world in all its dimensions. From an early age, I was fascinated by the stories behind artworks—what inspired an artist, how movements evolved, and why certain pieces resonated across generations. That curiosity first took me to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where I had my first hands-on experience working with collections, and later led me to study and work across museums, galleries, and artist estates. Over the years, I’ve built a career at the intersection of collection management, artist legacy planning, and advisory services, driven by my passion for preserving cultural and historical narratives. My work today through smART Advisory is a direct reflection of that passion—bridging the gap between artists, collectors, and institutions to create a lasting impact. I believe art isn’t just about objects; it’s about the stories, the voices, and the legacies that shape our world. That belief continues to fuel my work, ensuring that the artists I champion—whether contemporary or overlooked—have their rightful place in the larger art historical conversation.

What are the most interesting aspects of your work?

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is the thrill of rediscovery—uncovering artists who have fallen off the radar and bringing their work and scholarship back into the spotlight. The art world is often cyclical, and history has shown that artists can be overlooked for decades, only to be reevaluated and celebrated in a new light. I love diving into archives, researching untold stories, and working with estates to revive legacies that deserve recognition. Beyond historical rediscovery, I find immense satisfaction in helping collectors build meaningful collections that go beyond investment value. When collectors engage with art that speaks to their personal histories, cultural identities, or philanthropic missions, their collections become more than just acquisitions—they become narratives of impact and legacy. Lastly, working directly with living artists and advising them on career longevity is incredibly rewarding. Artists often focus on their practice but may not always have the tools to navigate the complexities of the market, institutions, and legacy planning. Being able to empower them with strategies to thrive beyond the studio is one of the most meaningful parts of my work. Every day presents a new discovery, a new challenge, and a new opportunity to shape the future of art history.

What are the most challenging aspects of your work?

I love this question! One of the most challenging aspects of my work is balancing the emotional, cultural, and financial value of art—especially when navigating legacy conversations with artists, collectors, or heirs. Art is never just an object; it’s a vessel of memory, identity, and intention. Honoring those layers while making strategic decisions—whether it’s placing a work in an institution, managing a multi-generational collection, or preserving an artist’s archive—requires both sensitivity and clarity. It can be particularly complex when works have been overlooked or undervalued, and it becomes my responsibility to help reposition them within the broader cultural narrative. There’s also the challenge of shifting outdated mindsets—especially when advising artists to see themselves as entrepreneurs or guiding collectors to think beyond status or trends and toward long-term legacy. But I find these challenges energizing. They push me to listen deeply, advocate fiercely, and design solutions that not only respect the past, but also shape a more inclusive and impactful future for the art world.