Sotheby’s Institute of Art has recently become eligible for Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funding, a significant milestone for the institution, and one that marks an important step forward in its research ambitions.

This achievement follows an 18-month process to secure eligibility which was reviewed and approved by the AHRC, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

This development is a strong endorsement of the quality, rigour, and potential impact of the research produced at Sotheby’s Institute. AHRC funding—worth up to £1 million per grant—opens the door to new possibilities, including large-scale collaborative research projects and deeper engagement with both higher education and industry partners. It positions the Institute as a credible research partner and enables it, for the first time, to act as a lead investigator on funded projects.

Jonathan Wooflson, Director of Sotheby’s Institute of Art-London, said, “We’re very excited by this development. Our faculty and students investigate the worlds of art and luxury every day. Access to AHRC funding has the potential to intensify and expand the reach of these explorations, which are so fundamental to what we do.”

The opportunity is particularly significant in the context of collaborative research. Many AHRC-funded initiatives bring together academic and industry partners, with a focus on knowledge exchange and real-world impact. This creates a valuable platform for Sotheby’s Institute to expand its network, contribute to cross-sector dialogue, and play a more active role in shaping research at the intersection of art, business, and the creative industries.

“This significant and exciting milestone is a recognition of the high quality of research already being produced at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. It will give us the opportunity to develop new collaborations with academic and industry partners, to meaningfully shape and inform professional practice, and further the public understanding of the art and luxury worlds,” says Barbara Lasic, Research and Knowledge Lead, Sotheby’s Institute of Art-London.

Work is already underway to develop a strategic approach to this opportunity. Raising awareness among external partners—both in higher education and industry—will be key to unlocking collaborative opportunities and ensuring that Sotheby’s Institute is considered in future AHRC-led projects.

Overall, this marks a meaningful and potentially transformative moment for research at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. It signals the Institute’s growing position within the wider research landscape and creates new pathways for innovation, partnership, and impact.

About the AHRC

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funds world-class, independent research across a wide range of disciplines, from philosophy and the creative industries to art conservation and product design. Its work addresses some of society’s most pressing challenges, including tackling modern slavery, exploring the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, and advancing understanding of what it means to be human.