Season 3 Episode 7 with Sophie Neuendorf

Giving Back is Dead

In this week’s episode of Giving Back is Dead, we’re joined by Sophie Neuendorf, Vice President at Artnet and Professor at IE University School of Humanities, for an insightful discussion on the evolving role of art in the market, social change and the importance of Giving.

Sophie shares how she and her brothers started an artist residency in Mallorca, inspired by their father’s legacy of supporting artists. The residency offers a serene space for artists to create, culminating in exhibitions and features on Artnet News. This initiative is a reflection of Sophie’s commitment to fostering creativity and supporting emerging artists beyond just financial means.

Sophie also teaches at IE University, where she helps students navigate the art market, not only as an investment but with a deeper understanding of art’s cultural significance. She emphasizes the importance of blending passion with financial insight and encourages students to see art as both a personal and financial asset.

The conversation touches on the growing influence of artists in addressing social issues, from climate change to movements like Black Lives Matter. Sophie sees today’s media landscape as providing artists with more opportunities to drive societal change through their work.

On the topic of data, Sophie points out that Artnet relies on secondary market data due to the challenges in verifying primary market information from galleries. While galleries play a key role, she believes accurate data is essential for making informed decisions in the art world.

Sophie also explores the importance of funding the arts, arguing that the arts have always been central to defining cultures and nations. She questions the morality of cutting funding to something so integral to society’s fabric.