How experts assist in the purchase, management, and conservation of artworks.
On March 26, 2025, the third session of Laberintos del Sector took place at La Culture House.
The panel featured Gloria Pérez, art advisor and founder of Art Advisory & Curatorial; Marc Francés, collector; and Celia Querol, general coordinator of the Casacuberta Marsans Collection. These professionals were joined by Carmen Corbera, who moderated the session with a particular focus on highlighting the diversity of roles within the world of collecting art.
Key discussion topics
During the conversation, the panelists shared their professional journeys and their perspectives on the current state of collecting on a global scale, addressing both the challenges and emerging opportunities in the field.
Carmen, the moderator, asked to the panelists how they explored the different aspects of collecting and its ecosystem.
To begin, she asked them to briefly describe their roles. Gloria explained how her nearly 20 years of experience in artistic direction at Galería Joan Prats had played a key role in shaping her understanding of collector profiles and how to work with them—an essential foundation for establishing Art Advisory & Curatorial. Marc, in turn, shared insights from his experience as a collector, recounting how, in the early stages, he and his partner worked with an art advisor whose role was almost like that of a psychologist—asking them questions based on different images of artworks without revealing details about them. Celia spoke about her fascinating beginnings at the Casacuberta Collection, following her previous experiences at Christie’s and the Rijksmuseum, where she co-curated the Rembrandt-Velázquez exhibition.
The discussion then turned to the contributions of different professional profiles to the collecting ecosystem, analyzing how their work helps develop and strengthen the sector. The panelists also explored the role of experts in assisting collectors with the acquisition, management, and conservation of artworks.
Gloria elaborated on how her fees vary depending on whether she is working on a corporate project that commissions an art collection or advising a private collector, for whom she provides extensive guidance, including gallery visits and to artistic spaces to help “train the eye.” Marc reflected on how certain professionals have played a crucial role in his journey as a collector, and how, over time, visiting galleries and exhibitions has gradually shaped and evolved his taste. Celia, on the other hand, emphasized that her work goes far beyond simple coordination—she researches and advises collectors on acquisitions (and sometimes on what not to acquire), ensuring that new additions align coherently with the existing collection.
Another key topic was the challenge of working in such a personal field. The panelists discussed how difficult it can be to balance giving advice while respecting the individual tastes of collectors. In this context, they explored the importance of transparency and trust, as well as the measures professionals take to uphold these values and avoid conflicts of interest. Each shared their perspective on the ideal relationship between a collector and their art advisor, consultant, coordinator, or manager.
Finally, the conversation touched on the essential skills and knowledge required to work in the world of collecting, the impact of networking on professional trajectories and collection building, and valuable advice for those seeking job opportunities in this sector.
About Laberintos del Sector
Laberintos del Sector is an initiative by Artepreneur that periodically brings together professionals from the art world for roundtable discussions on the labor market within the sector. In each session, participants share their experiences, analyze different professional roles, and reflect on the challenges and opportunities in employment.
Through these conversations, Laberintos del Sector aims to provide a clearer understanding of the dynamics of the art market, benefiting both those who are already working in the field and those looking to enter it.
About El Mundo del arte
Carmen is also the founder of El mundo del arte, the first Spanish-language podcast focused on the key players in the art industry. The project was a collaboration between La Culture House and Artepreneur.
About La Culture House
La Culture House (LCH) is a cultural project located in a historic building in Barcelona, which has recently opened its doors. This multidisciplinary platform was created to foster creativity, exchange, knowledge dissemination, and the gathering of a diverse community of individuals, disciplines, and initiatives. It is dedicated to the production, publishing, and promotion of graphic art and was founded by Helena Agustí, creative director, entrepreneur, and founder of the creative agency Partida Continua.