Volatile stock markets have become the norm. Real estate requires huge chunks of investment and bank deposit rates are hardly able to keep up with rising inflation rate. Given this scenario, art seems to have become a safe option for investment. Art experts feel that, apart from gold, it is the only commodity which gives steady returns. Art can make its own money over a period of time. The flip side is equally relevant. With surging salaries for technology and finance professionals and a growing middle-class ready to splurge, art in India has many takers. It has also led to art prices increasing substantially over the past decade. Banks have set up art advisories, where high networth individuals (HNIs) are offered advice to select and purchase or sell art works. Several banks have tied-up with auction houses and art galleries for the purpose. A number of financial institutions like Edelweiss Capital and Dawnay Day have also come out with art funds or schemes, trying to cash in on this growing new market.   more »