At Sukoon’s Privilege Club, we pride ourselves on curating experiences and services that go beyond expectations. To help our clients manage and protect their prized artworks, we’ve partnered with Amina Debbiche and Nora Mansour – co-founders of The Open Crate Group. Renowned for their expertise in valuations and cultural asset management, they offer insights that extend far beyond mainstream practices.
Whether you're a private collector, a corporate entity, or an institutional foundation, The Open Crate Group provides bespoke solutions to protect, optimise, and strategically position collections for long-term growth and legacy planning. From insurance to shipping, cultural strategy, advisory services, and more – they are here to ensure our clients’ vision is fully realised.
To give you a deeper understanding of their approach, Hana Refai – Head of Privilege Club at Sukoon Insurance – sat down with Amina and Nora for an exclusive interview. The objectives were simple: to gain insights into their line of work and expertise, and help you understand how they have the experience to help manage your collection.
"What is your area of specialisation within the art market?"
Amina and Nora: Our specialisation lies in Modern and Contemporary Art and Design, but as our work evolved, so did our scope. Today, we’ve developed a comprehensive digital inventory system that catalogues and digitises a variety of collectibles— what we call ‘passion assets’. Beyond the art world, our platform includes everything – from design pieces and luxury watches to collectible cars, jewellery, stamps, coins, and even pens. The list goes on.
While most of our clients are private collectors or family offices, our services span the entire spectrum of these treasures, ensuring that their collections – whatever they consist of – are managed and preserved for both present-day enjoyment and future legacy.
"Can you share a little about your backgrounds and experience in the art world?"
Amina: I hold an MA in Finance and Banking from Paris as well as a PGDip/MA in Modern and Contemporary Art and a Certificate in Art Business at Christie’s Education in London. My professional career in the art world began with roles at Phillips Auction House, The Fine Art Fund, and Christie’s London in the Post-War & Contemporary and Private Sales departments.
Eventually, I moved to Dubai and joined Art Dubai in 2014, where I managed the Patron Circle and Art Salon within the VIP Department. After two exciting years, I co-founded The Open Crate to bring a unique, strategic lens to art and collectible advisory.
Nora: Before we founded The Open Crate in 2018, I spent four years at Carpenters Workshop Gallery (CWG), where I focused on collectible design. My time there involved working at esteemed art fairs like Art Basel – the experience enriched my understanding of both the art and design markets.
I also hold a BA in Business Studies, specialising in Banking and Finance, from the American University of Beirut. After completing my degree, I worked at PwC for three years, working in cities like Beirut, Paris, and Dubai. These combined experiences gave me the foundation to explore the dynamic intersection of business and art.
"What information do you usually need to value a collectible or art piece?"
Amina and Nora: To provide the most accurate valuation, we typically request detailed information about the asset itself, beginning with a clear image of the item and then moving to specifics such as the artist's name, the date of execution, medium, dimensions, edition details (for multiples such as prints and sculptures, if applicable). Understanding provenance is also critical, so we ask for any purchase details, condition reports, exhibition history, and relevant literature, as well as whether a certificate of authenticity is available.
Additionally, it’s important to know the purpose of the valuation. Whether it’s for insurance, sale, or donation, the intended use can influence the methodology we employ and the approach we take in determining the value.
"What valuation methods do you use?"
Amina and Nora: Our valuation method is rooted in data and expertise coming together. We’ve developed internal mathematical models from both primary and secondary market insights. Over the years, we’ve built one of the largest in-house database in the Middle East by tracking art fairs, gallery activities, auction results, and private sales records. This database is further enriched by our collaborations with a global network of specialists, adding further credibility to the entire process. By integrating all this data, we provide valuations that are not only reliable but also reflective of the market’s current dynamics. This comprehensive approach helps us deliver precise and informed assessments.
"What does the final valuation report look like?”
Amina and Nora: Our valuation reports are delivered in a comprehensive PDF format. Each report includes detailed information, such as high-quality images, titles, and in-depth assessments of each item.
To support our conclusions, we provide a thorough comparative analysis based on data drawn from both primary (gallery and exhibition sales) and secondary (auction outcomes and sales records) markets. By presenting the full picture, we ensure that our clients have access to robust, substantiated insights that invite enough confidence to make informed decisions.
This conversation sheds light on how professionals like Amina and Nora work behind the scenes to understand and protect the value of treasured assets. For collectors, their expertise serves as a gateway to making informed decisions about their collections – whether for personal enjoyment, investment, or legacy planning.
By working together with trusted partners like The Open Crate Group, Sukoon’s Privilege Club is here to ensure that art – in all its forms – remains safe, valued, and appreciated for generations to come.
