Episode 53 – Planning for Artists: Trusts, Legacy, and Non-Traditional Assets with Alex Segal

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder & Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with Alex Segal – Partner at Silberman Zaretsky PC – to explore the highly nuanced world of trust and estate planning for visual artists. Alex shares how his practice focuses on representing painters, sculptors, and conceptual artists, and why traditional estate planning approaches often fall short for this unique client base. The conversation examines the deeply personal nature of artwork, the challenges of illiquid yet high-value assets, and the planning strategies required to balance legacy preservation, tax efficiency, asset protection, and privacy. Throughout the discussion, David and Alex cover several key planning tools for visual artists, including asset protection strategies, valuation considerations such as blockage discounts, and the role of dynasty trusts and foundations in preserving artistic legacies. They also explore why directed trusts are particularly well suited for holding artwork, allowing families to separate fiduciary administration from artistic oversight while maintaining flexibility as circumstances and planning objectives evolve.