Alumni Profile

Craig Brown
Sales and Marketing Executive at London Art Fair

MA Art Business, London, 2011 

What did you study while at Sotheby's Institute of Art?

MA in Art Business

In what year did you graduate?

2011

What was it about the programme that made you decide to come to Sotheby’s Institute?

Having owned a successful gallery in South Africa for over ten years, I chose to relocate to London and pursue an MA in Art Business at Sotheby’s Institute of Art because I believed it would provide a unique post graduate qualification and equip me to help sustain a growing international art sector.

What did you like the best about the programme at Sotheby's Institute?

The programme’s lecturers and guest lecturers are all leaders in their fields, and therefore provide valuable insight into various aspects of the art market.

What is your current position?

I am the Sales and Marketing Executive at London Art Fair.

What does your job entail?

I support the Fair Manager with research, database management and administration of contracts. I also help deliver the event’s sales plan and ensure that all exhibiting galleries receive a high level of consistent customer care from the contracting stage through the end of the Fair. I also assist in the planning and delivery of the communications campaign to achieve the right quality, quantity and revenue from visitors and exhibitors. This includes understanding the campaign objectives and timescales for the event, working with the internal team, external suppliers, partners and exhibitors to gain further insights into our customers’ needs, and delivering targeted marketing communications to the groups identified.

What do you like about your job?

I form part of an amazing and focused team of people, who are dedicated to the success of the London Art Fair — the UK’s largest modern British and contemporary art fair. I also enjoy developing strong relationships with the exhibiting galleries.

In what way does the programme of study you took at Sotheby’s Institute of Art help you in your current role?

It greatly increased my knowledge of the international art market and its key players, while providing valuable insight into the business models of art fairs.

Do you draw on the network of Institute Alumni in your current role at all?

Absolutely – almost every gallery or visual arts organisation I deal with has a Sotheby’s Institute graduate on staff. It’s nice to be part of such a strong network of professionals who are passionate about what they do.