MA in a Day 2008

The Sotheby’s Institute of Art – Singapore organises a series of introductory open day events called “MA in a Day”, designed to bring alive the experience of studying with us and giving an overview of the content of our programmes. It allows participants an opportunity to find our more about the courses we offer, our unique curriculum and teaching approach, as well as gain insight of how it is like to study at the Institute through a Q & A panel with the faculty members and current students.

Click here to read about the MA in a Day from one of the participants.

Photos from MA in a Day 2008


Sotheby's Institute of Art - Singapore reception area.


Mingling session during the breakfast reception.


In the classroom during the live teaching sessions.


Mr. Phil Whittaker talking to one of the participants.


Participants in the lobby area.

Mr. Phil Whittaker giving a lecture.


“MA in a Day at Sotheby’s Institute of Art - Singapore”

Written by Ruchika Singhal

As an amateur player of colours (as I dare not call myself an Artist!), I have been intrigued and mesmerised by the world of art – the palettes, the creativity, origin and delivery of ideas. I have contemplated obtaining a degree in the Art Business for a long time, but the rising cost of living and accumulating bills have deterred me thus far. Earlier this year, I finally applied for the MA in Art Business course offered by Sotheby’s Institute of Art - Singapore. When invited to attend the information session for the MA courses, I jumped upon the opportunity to take a peek into the art world at the “MA in a Day” event organised by the Institute.

It is an open day, at no cost, for those interested in pursuing further studies in the arts at the Institute. The day started at 9:30am with registration over coffee, followed by one hour lectures on Conceptual Art, Art Valuation, Art Market and Art and Globalization. The Institute warmly hosted all attendees for a sit down lunch, which further allowed me to indulge in a conversation about Asian art over a nice meal! If the conversations were not energising enough, the sugar high from the coffee & donuts break kept me running for the whole day!

Various course lecturers and program directors gave the audience a flavour on what does module entails and how the course modules are structured. During the lecture by Mr. Eugene Tan on conceptual art, I sat and contemplated the wave from the 1960’s “Art does not have to be an object”. Mr. Lee Weng Choy questioned “What is Asia?” from an artist’s point of view and impact on arts in the post colonisation and globalised world. In the brief duration of one hour, the audience sat questioning “If we share common interest, ideas and values as a cosmopolitan global society, how do we share Art?” Ms. Audrey Wang’s lecture on the Art Market further gave us a glimpse into the world of Auction Houses and how catalogues are built, provenance created to appraise and value antiques such as Chinese ceramics.

The day also gave me practical information about the course structure, field trips in Asia and other short courses offered by the Institute. The Director of the Institute, Mr Phil Whittaker was there to answer most of the prospective students' questions.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed myself and thank the management of the Institute for inviting me to attend the MA in a Day event.”