INTERVIEW: ART CONSULTANT Ivy Ritchens, Ivy Rose Consulting

October, 2025

image credits: #2 artwork by Ruby-Jean Whitehead, #3 artwork by Tom Polo, #5 artwork by Michael Lindeman, #6 Mietta Eve Photography, #7 artworks by Natalie Synnott & Sarah Parks , #8 artwork by Jedda Daisy Culley, #9 Mietta Eve Photography

The role of an art consultant is highly multifaceted. Defined by the Art Consulting Association of Australia (ACAA): “an art consultant is an independent professional who offers tailored advice on acquiring, managing, or displaying artworks. They work across private, corporate, and public sectors to source, value, curate, and oversee art collections and projects, always acting in the best interest of their clients.”

Despite the existing definition, in reality, what an art consultant does and why they hold a valuable place in the art world is still oftentimes obscure.

Out of curiosity, I posed a question on instagram last month: Art consultants: what do they do? The multitude of replies I received were varied, some positing further questions, more so than providing clarity. Responses included:

• Do they sell art?

• Do they match art or artists with buyers and spaces?

• They work with clients on art selection and art matters

• They keep galleries honest!

• They help collectors and artists navigate the market

• They can be great champions for artists, creating pathways between the work and collectors

• Art consultants help people with no taste and / or art knowledge acquire quality works that will at once decorate their space, be a decent investment (longevity wise), get them closer to appearing to be the cool, cultured person / brand they aspire to be, all while getting educated about the art world

Now my cogs were really turning. Intent on answering a self-generated question and considering how best to do so, I interviewed Melbourne-based art consultant Ivy Ritchens. 

What DOES an art consultant actually do?

1. Many people seem to have a preconceived idea of what an art consultant does. How do you define the ‘traditional’ role of an art consultant?

Ivy Ritchens (IR) Traditionally, an art consultant acts as the conduit between collectors and the art world, sourcing artworks, managing acquisitions and advising on collection strategy or investment.

The preconceived idea, which in many ways reflects the reality of its history, is that art consultancy is an exclusive, private service that is commercially driven, and largely inaccessible to emerging collectors.

2. Can you describe your approach to being an art consultant? What makes your strategy unique and sets it apart from the ‘typical’ model?

My approach through IVY RC. is designed to move beyond the conventional art consultancy model by prioritising transparency, collaboration and digital accessibility. I maintain an active online presence that functions not only as a marketing platform but also as an educational resource for those interested in beginning their collecting journey. 

Artist relationships are central to my practice, extending beyond consultancy into ongoing mentorship and professional development.

PROJECT 02, my digital initiative, is a deliberate digression from the traditional consultancy framework. It directly connects collectors with emerging artists across Australia and New Zealand through a transparent, shop-able online format. My goal is to make the art-buying experience more approachable, in alignment with contemporary collecting habits.

3. Why do you think art consultancy plays a valuable role in the arts?

Art consultants bridge the gap between the creative and commercial art worlds. We act as a tool for guidance, helping collectors build meaningful, coherent collections while championing artists, ensuring their practices are presented and valued in context. 

We help people fall in love with collecting, and contribute to the development of creative visions for businesses and brands. We inform the use of resources including time, money and attention, with a focus on thoughtful engagement with artists and their work.

4. What most inspires or motivates you in your work?

I’m most inspired by the moments when a collector truly connects with an artwork or artist, when something just clicks. I’m equally motivated by the artists themselves, being part of their process and seeing their ideas evolve. 

Watching careers grow, or seeing a work you believed in find the right home is incredibly rewarding. A client once told me: “you made our house a home,” and that really stuck with me. I love the power that art has to personalise a space and create a sense of home.

5. Relationships are crucial to the role of an art consultant. How do you approach developing and maintaining relationships, both with artists and collectors?

With artists, it’s about being someone they can workshop ideas with, building trust, and offering guidance that supports their practice, while also giving them the freedom to explore and be themselves. 

With collectors, it’s about patience and dedication. My clients know I don’t stop until everything is perfect and they can trust in my work ethic. Listening is equally important. Remembering the details from past conversations, noticing what draws their eye, and ensuring they feel heard.

Where it feels natural, I also connect artists and collectors directly, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding that benefits both sides.

6. What have you found are some of people’s most common misconceptions about your work?

One common misconception is that art consultants simply ‘buy art for people’. In reality, the role is deeply research driven; you have to be something of an encyclopaedia. 

It’s not only about artworks and artists, but also about art history, global trends and the market. It’s about listening closely to a client’s needs, understanding their tastes, lifestyle and vision for a space, and then translating all of that into curated recommendations.

7. Are there elements of your role you think might surprise people?

What often surprises people is that anyone can hire an art consultant! You don’t need to be an established collector or have a six-figure budget. A consultant can guide you through your very first acquisition, helping you navigate the process and build confidence in collecting. These relationships are just as valuable as those with long-term collectors. Sometimes a first-time client can grow into a lifelong one.

8. What qualities or skills do you consider integral to being an art consultant?

I’d say at the core, you need to be a people person. Given you’re constantly working with artists, collectors and galleries, building great relationships is crucial. Beyond that, attention to detail and organisational skills are also really important. 

Spreadsheets, logistics and numbers make up a much larger part of the job than most people realise. Being comfortable juggling the practical aspects of the role as well as the creative ones is key.

9. What are some of your favourite elements of your job?

One of my favourite elements of the job is the diversity; no two days are ever the same.

I love the mix of working across private collections, corporate projects, and my digital platform with emerging artists.

I’m also grateful for the chance to collaborate with galleries and artists. It’s an inspiring and supportive collective of colleagues to work with.

10. For people who might be interested in working as an art consultant, what advice would you give them?

My advice is to immerse yourself at every level. Familiarise yourself with your local galleries, introduce yourself at openings, get to know artists and their practices, and befriend other arts workers. Networking is everything! 

Most importantly, do it for the right reasons. Authenticity and integrity go a long way in this field. People can sense when you’re genuinely invested in the work and the relationships you build.

11. What’s next for you? Are there specific projects or events you’re most looking forward to?

At the moment, I’m focused on expanding IVY RC.’s national reach through new collaborations with galleries and collectors. I’ve just taken on two private art consulting projects that include both art and design elements. I’m excited to create a dialogue between the functional aspects of those spaces and the art. 

I’m also curating the next phase of PROJECT 02. We recently had our first physical activation, which went really well. Developing the event side of the business to engage the community is especially exciting. 

One upcoming project is a collaboration with Project Project, a furniture and design studio in Collingwood, where I’ll be hosting an art ‘takeover’ titled PROSENSE. It’s a curated selection of PROJECT 02 artists who focus on exploring material possibilities.

Events like these are an opportunity for me to be creative and bring contemporary art into unexpected environments, creating memorable experiences for both artists and collectors.

Ivy Ritchens is an art consultant and the Founder and Director of IVY RC., a Melbourne-based fine art consultancy. Her practice engages closely with a nationwide network of artists, galleries and collectors, providing tailored advisory, acquisition and collection management services. Through her digital arts platform, PROJECT 02, she collaborates with emerging artists from Australia and New Zealand, offering an online space connecting collectors with independent creatives. Ivy’s work reflects a commitment to reimagining the structures of art consultancy and collection-building in contemporary practice.