Women Who Collect Art
Women Who Collect Art
Female art collectors have shaped history for centuries, but they don’t always get the credit they deserve. In many ways, they follow in the footsteps of Hatshepsut, the Egyptian ruler who, over 3,500 years ago, made commissioning art a key part of her leadership strategy. Fast forward a few thousand years—the gender balance among collectors is nearly equal, with women representing 46percent compared to 52 percent men. What’s still missing, however, is a powerful network to foster a new generation of female collectors and patrons.
Collectesse –
Community,
School of Thought,
Playground
Collectesse is an individually verified community, created by women for women. Inspired by our own passion for collecting, we aim to ignite excitement in other women about buying and living with art. Collectesse opens doors to the often exclusive art world, offering a secure space where women can connect, learn, laugh, and thrive together.
As a social club, we host meet-ups in stunning settings. As a travel club, we offer curated experiences to some of the most unique art destinations. As a book club, we provide you with artist books you won’t want to miss. As a buyers club, we give you access to up-and-coming artist positions.
Friend,
Travel Partner, Consultant
As an academy, we teach you useful skills—whether you’re an established collector or an emerging buyer. Our courses and workshops are designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the art world. From learning the fundamentals of collecting to mastering the nuances of building a legacy collection, we provide tailored education to help you make informed decisions, discover new artists, and deepen your appreciation for art. Our academy fosters a supportive environment where women can grow, connect, and thrive in their collecting journeys.
Mentor, Teacher, Legal Advisor
From Independent Collectors to Collectesse
Collectesse was founded by Nina Raftopoulo and Sandra Gehrer, who spent nearly a decade managing Independent Collectors. In 2025, they launched their own community, with a special focus on the female perspective in art collecting. Based in Berlin, Collectesse has chapters in Cologne and Athens.