Art as an asset class: investing in the future at YouNique Lugano

YouNique – Boutique Fair of Arts is an exclusive event held within the elegant neoclassical setting of Villa Ciani – Lugano (Swiss). This unique exhibition combines a curated selection of international galleries and independent artists, offering diverse artistic styles and media. YouNique is a benchmark for contemporary art lovers, embracing its many interpretations and forms. Alongside the exhibition, the event will feature insightful discussions on key topics in contemporary art.

These discussions, scheduled for March 28 and 29, will be moderated by Greta Zuccali, a modern art curator, artist manager, and art advisor known for her innovative and multidisciplinary approach. Founder of Hub/Art Exhibition, she fosters connections between artists, cultural institutions, and businesses, promoting art as a tool for dialogue and social impact.

ART AS AN ASSET CLASS – MARCH 28 AT 2:30 PM

The first talk, taking place on Friday, March 28, at 2:30 PM, will explore the theme “Art as an Asset Class”. The discussion aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the art market, analyzing its key players, emerging trends, and practical investment strategies for those looking to diversify their portfolios. A special focus will be given to two of the fastest-growing markets—Africa and China. As art increasingly asserts itself as a strategic investment, this talk will offer insights into safely building an art collection. Art has emerged as a coveted asset class in an ever-evolving global market. But how does one navigate this complex world? With the guidance of our experts, we will explore the first steps in collecting art, weighing risks and opportunities. Additionally, we will deeply dive into the current market dynamics of China and Africa, two regions experiencing remarkable growth.

Speakers:

Laura Peluso (Art Director, Madeinart)
Originally from Verona and now based in Milan, Laura Peluso is a multifaceted figure who masterfully blends fashion and contemporary art. A graduate of Istituto Marangoni in Fashion Design, she has a career in the luxury and sportswear sectors, including prestigious collaborations, such as her work with the Versace Group.

Lidija Kostic Khachatourian (Founder, AKKA Project Gallery)
2016 Lidija founded the AKKA Project in Dubai, which later expanded to Venice in 2019. This visionary gallery is dedicated to supporting African artists through artist residencies, curated exhibitions, and strategic participation in art fairs. While positioning artists in the global market, AKKA Project focuses on fostering creativity and building meaningful connections within the art community.

Andrea Buticchi (Partner, CBM & PARTNERS Law Firm)
Andrea graduated with honors from the University of Parma in 2016. He specialized in intellectual property law, presenting a thesis on “Copyright and the Web: New Frontiers of Protection.” His expertise was further refined through an internship at the Federation of European Publishers in Brussels, where he worked on European consumer law and new technology regulations.

Simone Facchinetti (Lawyer and Author)
Simone Facchinetti will present his book Arte e Fisco (Art and Taxation), published by Maggioli Editore in 2024. Co-authored with lawyer Francesco Oliveti and accountant Alberto Traballi, the book explores the art world’s legal, fiscal, and wealth management aspects, focusing on the impact of new technologies. With over twenty years of experience in civil and criminal law, corporate law, and intellectual property, he founded his law firm, with offices in Milan, London, Dubai, and Varedo. He is recognized by Forbes Italia in 2024 as one of the 100 most influential professionals in the country and serves as Legal Counsel for the Arab Fashion Council. He represents the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the UAE.

AI: ALLY OR ENEMY OF CONTEMPORARY ART? A DIALOGUE BETWEEN CREATIVITY AND TECHNOLOGY MARCH 29 AT 3:30 PM

On Saturday, March 29, at 3:30 PM, the discussion shifts to “AI: Ally or Enemy of Contemporary Art? A Dialogue Between Creativity and Technology”. Artificial intelligence, with its ability to process vast amounts of data and generate original content, offers artists unprecedented tools. However, it also raises ethical and legal questions. Art has always reflected human creativity, shaped by the artist’s intuition and available tools. The rise of generative AI introduces a new element into this creative equation: the machine. Can AI be seen as a digital muse, suggesting innovative artistic combinations and expanding creative boundaries? While the potential is vast, what are the risks? Questions surrounding authorship, copyright, and the intrinsic value of AI-generated art will be central to the debate.

Key discussion points:

Introduction to AI: Definition, history, and key developments.
The ethics of AI: Exploring the ethical boundaries of AI in artistic creation.
AI and creativity: Examining how AI generates art, music, and literature.

Speakers:

Rebecca Pedrazzi
An art historian and critic specializing in AI-generated art, Rebecca holds a degree in Art History and Criticism from the University of Milan. Her early career as an art advisor gave her deep insights into contemporary and Old Masters art markets.

Luca Maria Gambardella
A leading figure in AI research, Luca holds a doctorate in Computer Science and has dedicated his career to artificial intelligence. Former director of the IDSIA USI-SUPSI research institute in Lugano, he is globally recognized for his pioneering work in AI-driven logistics and optimization algorithms.

Deodato Salafia
Entrepreneur and gallery owner Deodato is the founder and CEO of Deodato Group, a dynamic force in the contemporary art world. With Computer Science and Theology degrees, his unique perspective bridges science and the humanities, shaping his visionary approach to the art market.

Sandie Zanini
As the manager and spokesperson for Hackatao, one of the pioneering Web3 artist duos, Sandie is a driving force in the digital art space. As co-director of Zanini Arte Gallery, she has championed integrating blockchain-based digital art into traditional gallery offerings, fostering a dialogue between innovation and tradition.

Art, in all its forms, has long reflected society’s evolution. Whether viewed as an investment, a means of cultural dialogue, or an evolving fusion of human and artificial intelligence, it remains at the core of human expression. YouNique Lugano 2025 provides an essential platform for these discussions, ensuring that the art world continues to innovate while staying deeply connected to its historical roots.