The article analyzes features of private and common commodities in the sphere of culture. Art-market management is viewed within the context of challenges of the present-day administrative reform, which among other things emphasizes freedom of communication and formation of flexible highly adaptive managerial structures. The authors consider art-market management a constitutive element of contemporary urban political process that help create a positive brand of the megalopolis, increase the social and creative potential of its territory, and contribute to the strategic socio-economic development. Experience of St. Petersburg is very indicative in this context.