Auditart

Auditart is a framework and service model that applies auditing disciplines to art-related activities. It covers independent reviews of provenance, authenticity, conservation records, inventory management, loan and insurance documentation, and related financial reporting for artworks and collections. The goal is greater transparency, accountability, and risk management across museums, galleries, and private collections.

The concept emerged in the late 2000s as concerns about provenance gaps and forgeries grew. Early pilots were conducted by large audit firms in collaboration with art institutions, but there is no single governing body. Practices vary by jurisdiction and institutional needs.

Core activities include verifying provenance chains, validating appraisals, inspecting conservation records, reconciling inventories, and reviewing loan histories and insurance arrangements. Digital tools such as registries, barcodes, and, in some cases, blockchain-based ledgers can support data integrity and accessibility.

Governing standards draw on general auditing guidelines (for example, ISA and IFRS concepts) while sector-specific practices are developed by professional bodies and arts organizations. Audits are typically performed by licensed auditors in collaboration with curators or conservators.

Impact and limitations: Auditart aims to improve stewardship and risk mitigation, but it faces cost considerations, potential conflicts of interest, and debates about provenance interpretation and authentication. Critics warn that audits cannot fully resolve questions of attribution and market value.

See also: art provenance, art authentication, art appraisal, financial auditing, museum governance.