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Art Writing

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Online
Early Booking Rate

Art Writing

Have you always wanted to write about art, but haven’t known where or how to begin?

This course explores art writing as a hands-on practice and specialized craft, with an intense focus on the key writing formats of today’s art world. Students will begin with the foundations and mechanics of art writing (description, structure, tone), followed by an overview of specialized techniques (visual analysis, image research), and audience considerations (accessibility, vocabulary, detail). Students will delve deeply into specific forms of art writing and analyze the key attributes of compelling press releases, catalog essays, exhibition reviews, interviews, and artist statements. Throughout the course, students will write short-form, publishable text through step-by-step assignments including several rounds of instructor feedback. The course experience will be complemented by an innovative series of weekly readings, writing exercises, discussions, feedback, and guest speakers. In the final week of instruction, students will discuss professional practices, such as approaching publications and platforms, pitching ideas, and working with editors.

The goal of the course is to expand both new and experienced writers’ vocabulary and ideas around visual art, while also encouraging them to explore their strengths, define their potential contributions, and imagine their ideal audiences. Participants have the chance to clarify their ideas through discussions and individualized feedback and will leave the course with a complete and polished piece of writing in the form of an exhibition review.

  • Price
    $1,590
    Early Booking Rate
    $1,490
    if registered by February 5, 2025
  • Register
  • Date
    March 19 - April 30
  • Duration
    6 Weeks
  • Type
    Flexible Course
  • Location
    Online
  • Topics
    • Specializations & Skills
  • Language
    English
  • Contact Admissions
    shortcourses@sia.edu +1 646-438-7268

Faculty

Aimee Walleston

Faculty, Online Premier

Aimee Walleston is New York City-based essayist and editor, who has worked for magazines including W, Interview, Jane and The Last Magazine. She has contributed reviews, essays, and interviews to numerous publications including Art in America, Flash Art, The Brooklyn Rail, T Magazine and CR Fashion Book. Previously, she held the position of an in-house casting director for photographer Bruce Weber.

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  • About Flexible Courses

    About Flexible Courses

    This flexible online course is delivered in weekly modules consisting of recorded lectures, instructor-guided discussion boards, and supplementary resources. The course will include a final project with personalized feedback from the course instructor. All participants will have read-only access to the course materials for an additional 90 days after the course end date.

    Review the online course Terms and Conditions.

  • Students Will Learn

    Students Will Learn

    • To gain first-hand experience in writing about visual art.
    • To recognize the key formats used by museums, galleries, and art publications today.
    • To practice the writing and editing techniques required to create a publishable text.
    • To explore their strengths and potential contributions as art writers.
      Create a polished exhibition review that displays their professional skills.
  • Course Completion

    Course Completion

    For successfully completing this course, you receive a verified Certificate of Completion from Sotheby’s Institute of Art as well as 3.7 IACET Continuing Education Units. *

    Our digital certificates allow you to share new skills with various social media platforms, including LinkedIn. Successful completion is defined by each instructor in the course syllabus and consists, at the least, of regular, thoughtful participation in online activities and timely submission of assigned papers or projects.

    *As an IACET Accredited Provider, Sotheby’s Institute of Art offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.

  • Book a Consultation

    Book a Consultation

    We encourage interested individuals to book a consultation time with a member of our admissions team to learn more about this course and our registration process.

    Please use this link to book a consultation time via phone or video call.