Research published in Nature Communications finds that exhibition networks significantly shape artists’ career outcomes. Singulart believes expanding access to galleries and curators is part of the solution.
PARIS, FR / ACCESS Newswire / July 20, 2026 / A new study published in Nature Communications is bringing fresh attention to one of the art world’s most persistent challenges: gender inequality. Analyzing more than 65,000 contemporary artists, 20,000 museums and galleries, and 378,000 exhibitions, researchers found that institutional access-not only gender itself-plays a defining role in shaping artists’ long-term careers.
The study, Quantifying institutional gender inequality in contemporary visual art, by Wang, Gates, Resch and Barabási, is one of the largest quantitative analyses ever conducted on gender representation in the contemporary art ecosystem. By examining exhibition histories alongside auction records, the researchers demonstrate how career opportunities are influenced by the institutional networks artists are able to access throughout their professional lives.
Among the study’s key findings, women represent 36.5% of artists included in the dataset, yet disparities become increasingly pronounced as careers progress. The researchers found that the most prestigious museums and galleries are also the least gender-balanced, with higher-prestige institutions significantly more likely to over represent male artists. They also conclude that an artist’s exhibition network is a stronger predictor of reaching the auction market than gender alone, highlighting the importance of institutional access in determining future opportunities.
“The research shows that artistic careers are shaped not only by talent, but also by access,” said Brice Lecompte, CEO at Singulart. “Where artists exhibit, who discovers their work and the professional networks they build can have a lasting impact on their visibility and career development.”
The findings reinforce a growing conversation within the art world about the importance of creating more accessible pathways for artists to connect with galleries, curators and collectors beyond traditional institutional circles.
Recognising the role these professional networks play, Singulart has developed Gallery Connect, an initiative designed to help artists expand their exhibition opportunities through a global network of galleries and curators.
Gallery Connect allows participating galleries to discover artists from Singulart’s international community while giving every eligible artist on the platform the opportunity to be considered for exhibitions and professional collaborations. By broadening access to industry connections that have traditionally depended on geography, personal networks or established institutional relationships, the initiative seeks to make exhibition opportunities more accessible to artists regardless of where they are based.
The Nature study suggests that access to influential exhibition networks has a lasting impact on artists’ careers. Rather than viewing these networks as closed systems, Gallery Connect aims to create new opportunities for artists to establish relationships with galleries and curators worldwide, helping them build professional visibility beyond the digital marketplace.
“Our ambition with Gallery Connect is to make introductions that might not otherwise happen, helping artists connect with galleries and curators across borders and expanding access to opportunities that can support long-term career growth”, added Brice Lecompte.
As conversations around equity and representation continue across the global art market, the study provides new evidence that institutional decisions play a significant role in shaping artistic careers. While no single initiative can address every structural challenge identified by the researchers, expanding access to professional networks represents one practical way to help artists navigate an increasingly competitive art world.
The full study, Quantifying institutional gender inequality in contemporary visual art, was published in Nature Communications on 9 July 2026.
About Singulart
Singulart is a leading online contemporary art gallery connecting artists with collectors worldwide. Representing thousands of contemporary artists from more than 100 countries, the platform helps artists grow their careers through international visibility, collector outreach and initiatives such as Gallery Connect, which expands access to a global network of galleries and curators.
For press inquiries or interview requests, contact: Marta Lajoso, marta.lajoso@singulart.com
SOURCE: Singulart
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