The Art Newspaper

Letter to the editor

It might be time to rethink where growth will come from instead of justifying the status quo

By The Art Newspaper readers. Web only
Published online: 20 December 2011

Mr Goodwin’s piece provided a much needed longer-term perspective on the market, but the discussion gives the impression that the data was selected to fit a conclusion. While there can be no doubt that demographics affect the art market, particularly mid-value works, the consistent focus of arts economists and journalists on India and China is slightly wearying. The Middle East has demographics similar to India’s and, according to Transparency International (TI), less corruption on average.

The most fertile region of the world at the moment is sub-Saharan Africa; the fertility rate is nearly twice that of India. Over the next half a century, this region will experience the largest “demographic dividend” anywhere on earth. While some may question whether the countries south of the Sahel can institute the necessary political and economic governance to capitalise on their demographic windfall, TI ranks Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho and Ghana as more transparent than India.

The term “BRIC” [Brazil, Russia, India and China] is now a decade old—it might be time to rethink where growth will come from instead of justifying the status quo.

—Adam Levine, New York

Send your letters to the editor to: 70 South Lambeth Road London SW8 1RL UK or email: j.morris [at] theartnewspaper.com