Why did you decide to enroll in Summer Institute?

I decided to enroll in Summer Institute because I wanted a deeper understanding of the art world beyond what I could learn in a traditional classroom. I’ve always been excited by the art and fashion worlds and sought knowledge through personal experiences and studies, but I felt that it was important to expand my knowledge through mentorship and deeper exploration.

It’s important to engage your mind in new subjects and ideas, and Summer institute was my foray into this new world. Sotheby’s Institute offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals while engaging with art, luxury, and culture in a real-world context.

The program felt like the perfect bridge between academic curiosity and professional exploration.

Which course did you enroll in and why?

I enrolled in the luxury business course because it aligned closely with my interests in contemporary art, the art market, and fashion. I was also motivated by my interest in curatorial practice.

I was especially drawn to the course’s balance of historical context and practical insight, which allowed me to better understand how the field operates today while still appreciating its intellectual foundations.

What significance does studying in New York City hold for you, and what was the most interesting thing you learned or experienced during your time there?

As someone who lived in New York for five years, it was interesting to visit both parts I knew (and even lived in) and parts I had never visited. This program opened my eyes to the city in new ways.

Studying in New York City was incredibly meaningful because it is one of the world’s most influential cultural capitals. Being surrounded by museums, galleries, auction houses, and artists made everything we studied feel immediate and alive.

One of the most interesting aspects of the program was seeing how interconnected the art world is by looking at how history, commerce, creativity, and global perspectives all converge in the city in a very tangible way. The city is a creative hub that cannot be replicated, and it truly is a special experience to see it in this new light.

Describe your favorite day of the program. Where did you go and who did you meet?

One of my favorite days during the program was when we visited the Museum of the City of New York and saw the influence of street art, dance, and culture throughout the decades.

Another significant day for me was when we visited Sotheby’s auction house to look at pieces of jewelry that were planned to be auctioned. As someone who has always been immersed in the jewelry world, seeing these pieces was surreal, especially as we learned about both their monetary and historical value.

It was inspiring to hear directly from professionals who are actively shaping the industry and to see behind the scenes of how decisions are made. That day brought together everything we had been learning and made career paths in the industry feel attainable.

What was your day-to-day experience like?

Each day was engaging and fast-paced. Mornings were often spent in lectures or discussions, followed by site visits or independent exploration.

I appreciated how interactive the classes were and how we were encouraged to ask questions and share perspectives. Outside of class, exploring the city with fellow students became an important part of the experience and helped build strong connections.

How did your experience at Summer Institute influence your perspective on your future studies or career path?

Summer Institute clarified my interests and gave me greater confidence in pursuing a future within the art and cultural sectors, more specifically, a career in curating. It helped me understand the many career paths available and showed me how academic study can translate into professional practice.

Now, I’m even more sure that I want to study art history at university and continue to explore the subject.

Do you have any advice for future Summer Institute students?

My advice would be to stay curious and fully immerse yourself in every opportunity the program offers. Ask questions, engage with your peers and instructors, and take advantage of being in such a dynamic city.

Some of the most meaningful moments come from stepping outside your comfort zone and being open to new perspectives.