Frieze 91 members are eligible for a special rate on this course. Please contact our admissions team at professional@sia.edu for more information and a discount code.
Designed for seasoned collectors looking to broaden their horizons and newer collectors looking to hone their skillset, the course introduces valuable strategies for focus and discernment as you build your collection and offers professional insights around how to navigate this fast-paced international marketplace as a collector.
The ever-changing global landscape of today’s art market, with its international art fairs and dizzying calendar of live and online auctions, presents more opportunities than ever to buy art. In this unique course that combines classroom study, event experience, and networking opportunities, participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the London art world landscape through visiting Frieze art fair, one of the world’s leading art fairs, on the VIP opening day. Students will discover more about the London art market – one of the biggest art centers in the world, with a renowned history and a vibrant multicultural contemporary scene.
The course discusses key considerations for both budding and experienced collectors on navigating the art market in lectures and workshops led by scholars and art world professionals. The course culminates with an exclusive tour of Frieze London with art world experts, who will provide indispensable insights to discerning collectors on the fair’s offerings.
To understand the changing role of art fairs in the global art market
To articulate your unique collecting perspective and prepare to apply it to acquisitions
To explore the offerings at Frieze London and make informed decisions regarding their collection
To analyze current market trends and apply them to artists and works presented at Frieze London
Course Leader, London
Ed Leeson is a UK based gallerist and curator. He has organised exhibitions internationally in both commercial and institutional spaces. Over the last decade he has been a staff lecturer at TATE and a course leader at Sotheby’s Institute of Art where he lectures on contemporary art, its markets, and wider cultural studies. His MA thesis focussed on identity capture in museum cyberspace, and his current PhD research is on the aesthetics of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He is the Director of 243 Luz.
Read MoreDay 1: Explore strategies and best practices for collecting contemporary art and delve into the ethics of collecting in an engaging workshop.
Day 2: Engage with gallerists sharing insights on the art fair experience, explore authenticity and due diligence, and connect with peers at a networking reception.
Day 3: Experience a curator-led tour of Frieze during the VIP opening day and participate in a workshop to recap your time at the fair.
These in-person executive courses are designed for those who wish to develop their existing knowledge of the art world as a collector or dealer.
Learning from leading specialists across a range of disciplines, participants will partake in the glamour and excitement of a world-renowned art fair with exclusive insights and access.
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 alumni 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. A general knowledge of the contemporary art world and market will also benefit participants.
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.
Frieze London is one of the world’s most influential contemporary art fairs, focusing only on contemporary art and living artists, and takes place each October in The Regent’s Park, in the heart of London.
The fair’s exhibiting galleries represent some of the most exciting artists working today, from the emerging to the iconic; and a team of world-leading independent curators advise on feature sections, making possible performance-based work and ambitious presentations by emerging galleries.
This course uniquely includes with the course fees, membership to Frieze 91. Frieze 91 supplies all course participants with access to Frieze London on preview day; full VIP access to Frieze London, and access to the year-round calendar of Frieze 91 events at Frieze’s London, New York, Los Angeles, and Seoul locations.