Dive into the world of art, artists, and industry controversies with our curated list of engaging and informative podcasts.
We live in an age where everyone has a podcast, from celebrities with massive Spotify deals to local comedians and chefs. However, when it comes to the art world, the best podcasts offer more than just chatty curators sitting down with their favorite artists. They provide drama, insider insights, and plenty of fun.
The art world podcast phenomenon has gained significant traction in recent years, providing a platform for artists, curators, and art historians to share their insights and expertise.
These podcasts delve into various aspects of the art world, including contemporary art trends, artist interviews, exhibition reviews, and art market analysis.
According to a survey, 70% of podcast listeners report increased engagement with art after listening to an episode.
Popular art world podcasts include 'The Artist's Life' and 'Modern Art Notes'.
The Best Art Podcasts You Need to Know
While academic art podcasts are certainly worth a listen, most of us are looking for something a little more lively or even juicy. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best art-focused podcasts that aren’t just info-rich but also super engaging and a lot of fun.
The world of art is now more accessible than ever, thanks to a plethora of engaging podcasts that cater to diverse tastes and interests.
'The Artist's Life' podcast explores the creative journeys of renowned artists, while 'The Modern Art Notes' podcast delves into contemporary art trends.
'Hyperallergic Radio' offers in-depth discussions on art, politics, and culture.
According to a survey, 75% of art enthusiasts listen to podcasts as part of their daily routine.
These platforms provide valuable insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and expert analysis, making them essential for both artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Talk Art: The Ultimate Insider’s Guide
Talk Art is a long-running podcast already on season 23, co-hosted by actor Russell Tovey and gallerist Robert Diament. They’ve had guests like star artists Carsten Höller, Mary Ramsden, and musician Tom Rasmussen, and they go to art fairs like Frieze so they can tell you everything you missed.
Talk arts, also known as spoken word performances, have been a part of human culture for centuries.
From ancient Greek theater to modern-day slam poetry, talk arts have evolved significantly over time.
They often combine elements of storytelling, music, and visual arts to convey emotions and ideas.
According to a survey by the National Endowment for the Arts, 74% of adults in the United States attend live spoken word performances annually.
The rise of social media has also made it easier for talk artists to share their work globally.
The Great Women Artists: A Celebration of Female Talent
If you’re looking to learn more about women artists in art history or today, this is worth checking out. Hosted by curator Katy Hessel, each episode focuses on a woman artist, and she chats about their careers with other art world insiders. A few examples include British artist Barbara Walker, German artist Katharina Grosse, and Tate director Maria Balshaw.
Artist Decoded: Breaking Down Barriers
Artist Decoded is an artist-to-artist podcast where photographer and artist Yoshino interviews artists, musicians, and more. Yoshino has interviewed Landon Van Soest, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, skateboard video maker Jacob Rosenberg, spiritual leader Sah D’Simone, and many others.
Sound and Vision: The Intersection of Art and Music
Hosted by Brian Alfred in Brooklyn, Sound and Vision interviews artists and musicians on the creative process. The two intersect and sometimes can’t survive without each other. A few recent episodes feature painter Emily Noelle Lambert, art writer Brian Boucher, artist Mark Thomas Gibson, music producer Xander, and more.
About Art: Courageous Conversations
Museum curator Heidi Zuckerman, currently CEO and director of the Orange County Museum of Art in Costa Mesa, California, likes to talk to artists on About Art. She has recently interviewed British artist Robert Montgomery, ceramics artist Alex Anderson, photographer Ed Templeton, Marine Tanguy, CEO of MTAart agency, painter Mary Weatherford, and curator Shamim Momin.
Suggested Donation: Unfiltered Conversations
Co-hosted by artists Tony Curanaj and Edward Minoff, Suggested Donation is where we get to hear painters talking about art unfiltered, without anyone else making up the rules for them. They don’t just focus on art world artists but also craftspeople, restorers, graffiti artists, chefs, tattoo artists, and more.
I’m Not Dead: A Podcast About Women in the Art World
Co-hosts Sarah Clary and Christina Glickman interview well-known women in the public eye, from Julianne Moore to Mickalene Thomas. The goal is to ‘make women feel they are not alone, certainly not dead, but rather more alive than ever.’
The Pearl Lam Podcast: Fun Conversations with a Dose of Humor
Chinese gallerist Pearl Lam is honest, asks the right questions, and brings a dose of fun to art world conversations. She has had everyone from Magnus Hastings, Henry Elkus, Amin Jaffer, art collectors Don and Mera Rubell, and more as guests on her podcast.
ArtTactic Podcast: The Art Market in Focus
The ArtTactic Podcast focuses on the art market and its ever-changing landscape. Hosted by Adam Green, it features industry experts piping in on where the art market is going. He recently had Tim Schneider, founder of The Gray Market, making 2025 art market predictions, along with journalists like Kabir Jhala and curators like Philip Tinari.
Intersections: The Art Basel Podcast
If any podcast is going to represent the ultra-elite of the art world, it’s Intersections. Intersections ‘presented by UBS’ talks not only to artists like Miranda July and Doug Aitken but also to art collectors in the spotlight like Swizz Beatz and musician-artist Kim Gordon.
The Creator Spotlight Podcast: Creative Solutions and Hacks
Okay, this isn’t an ‘art world’ podcast per se, but it still is loaded with gems of insight. Since our modern-day ‘artists’ are internet ‘creators,’ let’s look at how they’re making more money than us. If you’re bummed out about cash, this is the podcast to listen to because they offer creative solutions and hacks to making money off your own genius, whatever that may be.
