Participants will explore the key players at work in the trading of art such as global art fairs and renowned art galleries. A special focus will be put on the role of auction houses through an in-depth exploration of the activities of Sotheby’s, with exclusive behind-the-scenes visits and guest appearances by auction professionals. These experts will share their unmatched knowledge on the importance of sourcing, cataloguing, and pricing items correctly for a successful sale. Discussions topics will also include knowing what drives the international art market of the future and how art functions as an alternative investment asset.
Whether participants are engaging with tools such as art market indices or learning from specialized faculty and a variety of experts from across the market, this course provides a deep dive into the bustling art markets of today. Participants will gain insight on the operations of major art business entities throughout London and beyond, including through a day trip to the coastal city of Margate which quickly has become a must-see destination for cutting-edge commercial and institutional art businesses alike.
Identify the key players that make up the global art market.
Understand the different types of markets that comprise art as a business.
Explore how the art market creates and retains value.
Discover how the art market has evolved and where it may go from here.
Recognize culture as a driver of community building.
Faculty, London
Joe Dunning is an art market expert with eighteen years’ experience in the commercial art world, He has worked with artists, galleries, auction houses, art fairs, and advisors, with a particular focus on Contemporary, Post-War, Modern, and Impressionist art. He specialises in business development, client engagement, and the intersection of art with the fields of technology, finance, and philanthropy. As an auctioneer he has first-hand experience of the mechanics of the art market; and through academic study and professional experience of museums and other non-profit organisations, he has a thorough understanding of the entire art ecosystem.
Read MoreDirector of Art Business and Enterprise Programs, London
Jeffrey Boloten is Co-Founder and Managing Director of ArtInsight Ltd., the education partner of art market research firm, ArtTactic. He was a director with several leading international publishers, including Penguin Books, and has held posts at the Tate and as General Manager of a London art college. Boloten is a frequent speaker and lecturer at international art fairs and conferences on topics including the global art market, photography market, and art investment markets. He is a Founding Member of PAIAM, Professional Advisors to the International Art Market, and a member of the Advisory Board for the inaugural Photo Shanghai Art Fair.
Read MoreDay 1: Gain an overview of the art market and its key players, with a visit to Sotheby’s auction house for a contemporary art sales exhibition.
Day 2: Learn from a Sotheby’s specialist on provenance, scholarly research, and restitution. Return to Sotheby’s for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Old Master Painting department, looking at cataloguing as they prepare for an upcoming sale.
Day 3: Understand the history of the art market through market research and art market reports.
Day 4: Learn how Contemporary art became the number 1 sales activator in the market of the past 2 decades.
Day 5: Discover the inner workings of commercial art galleries by meeting gallery directors and other staff at their art spaces in Mayfair.
Day 6: Explore public art and community engagement through a tour of key sites in London.
Day 7: Discuss art as an alternative asset and the increase of investors in the global art market.
Day 8: Travel to Margate, a city by the coast, to explore culture as place-maker, understanding how the market can evolve and cultural hubs may shift.
Day 9: Learn about the rise of online marketplaces and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the international art market.
Day 10: Discuss the future of the art market and present what has been learned.
Course participants take away in-depth and valuable insight into the current and future art world. Those who successfully complete their course will receive a certificate of completion from Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
Sotheby’s Institute of Art course participants come from all over the world, from a wide variety of backgrounds. As they study, travel, and explore the art world alongside each other throughout the program, fierce and long-lasting collaborations are frequently born. Individuals who complete these courses join our network of over 8,000 past participants around the globe who hold top positions at renowned art organizations.
We highly encourage participants with at least 3 years of post-graduate work experience for a smooth and successful course experience.
English Language Requirement
Course participants should be proficient in written and spoken English and be able to participate in group discussions and presentations in English. It is recommended that participants have the equivalent level of IELTS score of 6.0 /TOEFL score of 78 IBT, however evidence of test scores is not required to register.
Age Requirement
Courses are open to participants 18 years of age or older, however, we prefer that students have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience to be able to properly engage in the course.
For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions.