Artworks at the Heart of France’s Budget Debate: The SNA Warns of a Risky Measure for Culture and Heritage

A measure that threatens culture and heritage

Following the recent tragedy at the Louvre that moved the entire nation, a new fiscal proposal has sparked widespread concern within France’s cultural community.
The amendment aims to include works of art in the wealth tax base — effectively reintroducing a form of “Cultural Wealth Tax.”
The SNA warns of the potential fallout:
– a likely exodus of artworks and collections from France,
– a slowdown in the country’s cultural and economic momentum,
– and a weakening of museums deprived of major donations and bequests.

A misunderstanding of the cultural and economic role of art collectors

Labeling works of art as “non-productive assets” reflects a profound misunderstanding of their role in society.
Art actively contributes to France’s cultural and economic vitality — it sustains the art market, supports philanthropy, and enriches national heritage.
Such a measure would ultimately weaken one of France’s greatest strengths: its global cultural influence and international appeal.

The SNA calls for reason and responsibility

The Syndicat des Négociants en Art urges policymakers to recognize that defending culture means preserving an entire ecosystem — galleries, dealers, restorers, shippers, art fairs, auction houses, and countless professionals working in and around the art world.
Protecting French culture means safeguarding a shared heritage, a living economy, and a universal vision of beauty.