Course participants will examine established art markets in the developed world and emerging art markets in the developing world, together with legal and management issues related to global art business practice, with a particular emphasis on the international auction house system. Designed to encourage the kind of entrepreneurial thinking on which the art world thrives, the course culminates in a final project in which students develop a new art business and pitch it to investors.
The course prepares students for a wide range of careers in the art world, both commercial and not-for-profit sectors, or for further study on one of our postgraduate programs. Practical skills gained include connected to accessing and analysing art market data, and to evaluating market value for art works across key sectors. Students are introduced to contemporary management models for commercial and non-commercial practices through theory, case studies and practical work. Branding and marketing issues are explored, and essential art market professional roles (e.g., art advisor, curator, gallerist, collector, journalist, art fund manager, etc.) are investigated, together with innovative new art business models, including online initiatives. Through lectures, seminars and visits, students witness first-hand what it takes to make a business successful in today’s art market.
This course was previously offered in a different format as part of the Semester program in London and can be paired with Contemporary Art + Curating or Social Responsibility + Finance & Innovation for a full-time (4 days / week) semester schedule.
Daily lectures from leading industry professionals
An extensive range of visits including Sotheby’s Auction House and leading art fairs
Develop the required skills to create innovative art world enterprises
Develop a new art business and pitch it to investors
Art and Business Program Leader, 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, photography, and art investment markets. He is a Founding Member of PAIAM, Professional Advisors to the International Art Market, and is on the Advisory Board of the Photo Shanghai Art Fair.
Read MoreFor individuals looking for an expansive grounding in the contemporary art world, Art Business can be paired with the 6-week Contemporary Art course and the 6-week Curating course to create a full time (4-days per week) schedule of study over the course of a semester.
For students looking to gain a well-rounded grounding in art business, it can be paired with the 6-week Finance and Innovation course and the 6-week Art and Social Responsibility course to create a full time (4-days per week) schedule of study over the course of the semester.
Individuals who take two or more courses in combination (during the same semester) will receive a discounted rate.
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.
For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions.
The course is assessed via a presentation on emerging markets, and an entrepreneurial group business presentation.
Course participants take away in-depth and valuable insight into the current and future art world, to be sufficiently prepared for a wide-ranging career within the art industry. 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 alumni around the globe who hold top positions at renowned art organizations.