Art leasing, also known as art rental, is an arrangement that allows a company to display original works of art in its spaces for a specified period in exchange for a monthly or annual fee, without immediately becoming the owner.
This model has been in place for several decades in Anglo-Saxon countries (the British art rental market is worth over 500 million pounds a year) and is growing rapidly in France, driven by increasing demand from companies seeking to enhance their spaces without committing to a capital investment.
In practical terms, here’s how it works: the company selects artworks (either on its own or with the help of an agency such as Studio Artera), signs a rental agreement for a fixed term (usually 12 to 36 months), pays a monthly fee, and at the end of the contract can renew the lease, return the works, choose new ones, or, in many cases, purchase the works by deducting all or part of the rent paid.
Purchasing an original work of art is an investment that can range from a few thousand to several hundred thousand euros. For a microbusiness, small or medium-sized business, or a startup, this amount is often a barrier. Leasing converts an investment into an operating expense: the monthly payment is directly deductible from taxable income.
For an SME that rents five works at €200 per month each, the monthly cost is €1,000 (excluding tax), which is fully tax-deductible. The net impact on cash flow is therefore significantly lower than it would be with an equivalent purchase.
This is one of the least frequently mentioned benefits, yet it is one of the most valuable. Leasing allows you to rotate your artworks: change the displays with the seasons, introduce your teams to new artists, and adapt your spaces to your events.
A company that regularly welcomes clients to its offices can thus present an ever-changing display, creating a sense of discovery with every visit—a far cry from the gradual fading of artworks that “disappear” into the background.
Renting works by living contemporary artists is also a way to directly support artistic creation. The artist receives a royalty for each rental period. It is a virtuous business model that can be leveraged as part of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative and is increasingly sought after by employees who value their employer’s commitment to culture.
Most art leasing contracts include an option to purchase at the end of the term. If a work fits perfectly into the company’s space and culture, it can be purchased outright, with the lease payments already made deducted from the purchase price. Leasing thus becomes a gradual acquisition process, allowing the company to “live with a work” before making a permanent commitment.
This is the most important step and the one that benefits most from professional guidance. The selection process must take into account the space (dimensions, lighting, traffic flow), the company’s identity (its values, industry, and the message it wants to convey), and the available advertising budget.
Studio Artera offers a curation and selection service for companies looking to create a cohesive exhibition layout. We present several proposals based on these criteria and facilitate communication with the artists and the owners of the works.
An art lease agreement must specify: the lease term, the lease payment amount and payment terms, insurance requirements (generally the lessee’s responsibility), transportation and installation requirements, renewal terms and purchase options, and liability in the event of damage.
Important note: Make sure the contract explicitly states that the artist has consented to the rental of the artwork. Under French law, the artist’s moral rights apply; the artwork may not be displayed under conditions that would undermine its integrity or the artist’s reputation.
The installation must be carried out with care; original works require standard precautions. A reputable agency will oversee the installation and provide support throughout the duration of the contract.
Leasing is particularly well-suited for these situations:
Direct purchase is preferable in these situations:
Leasing fees typically range from 1.5% to 3% of the estimated value of the artwork per month. For example:
For a company looking to enhance 3 to 4 spaces (main meeting room, reception area, executive office, common area), a monthly budget of €500 to €1,500 is sufficient to create a high-quality art display featuring original works by contemporary artists.
Yes. Lease payments for works of art are deductible from taxable income as operating expenses, just like the rental of any other property necessary for business operations. In addition, companies that purchase original works by living artists may deduct the purchase price from their taxable income, up to a limit of 5‰ of revenue excluding VAT (Article 238 bis AB of the General Tax Code).
Leasing is a commercial rental agreement involving financial considerations. Sponsorship is a donation without any direct commercial benefit, which entitles the donor to a tax deduction equal to 60% of the donation amount. The two mechanisms are complementary and serve different purposes.
Lease agreements typically specify that the lessee is responsible for insurance. You should verify that your comprehensive business insurance policy covers works of art, as this is not always the case. An “artwork” rider or a specific insurance policy may be necessary. Studio Artera assists its clients with this process.
Yes. We offer short-term rental options (1 week to 3 months) for events, trade shows, product launches, or the decoration of pop-up spaces. The rates are proportionally higher than those for long-term rentals, but they allow you to access remarkable works of art for one-time occasions.
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