Alana Kushnir Publishes in The International Family Offices Journal
Images: Cover of The International Family Offices Journal Volume 10, Issue 3, April 2026 Source: The International Family Offices Journal (left); Headshot of Alana Kushnir by Simon Strong (right).
Aurelian Lawyers & Advisers Founder and Director, Alana Kushnir, has published a feature article in the latest issue of The International Family Offices Journal.
In ‘Family office art collections: intellectual property, cultural heritage and philanthropic considerations’, Alana examines the legal and governance issues that arise when art is treated not simply as a passion asset, but as part of a broader wealth, legacy and philanthropic strategy. The article explores the distinct risks attached to collecting art within family office structures, including intellectual property, provenance and authenticity, cultural heritage restrictions, restitution exposure, valuation, succession and public-facing legacy planning.
The piece argues that art collections require governance frameworks of their own. Unlike conventional asset classes, art carries layered legal and practical considerations: ownership of the object does not necessarily include rights to reproduce it; long-held works may still be vulnerable to cross-border cultural property claims; and informal acquisition practices can create problems that surface only years later, particularly when collections are lent, sold, donated or institutionalised.
The article also considers the growing shift from private collecting to more public legacy models, including foundations, private museums, study centres and structured philanthropic initiatives. As family offices increasingly view collections as part of a longer-term intergenerational strategy, the legal architecture around acquisition, rights management, tax, governance and stewardship becomes more important.
This contribution reflects Alana’s ongoing work at the intersection of art, law, wealth and legacy — advising on the structuring, management and future use of art and cultural assets in sophisticated private contexts.
The article appears in Volume 10, Issue 3 of the April 2026 issue of The International Family Offices Journal, where you can read the full feature.
Aurelian Lawyers & Advisers is a cross-border legal and advisory practice specialising in art, cultural property and luxury assets. For more information, get in touch here.