5-Day Intensive

Introduction to Curating

Register Request Info
Date
March 2 – 6, 2026
Time
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM GMT
Duration
5 Days
Location
London
Program
5-Day Intensive
Mode of Learning
In-Person
Price
Price
£1950
Early Booking Rate
£1800
Early booking rate for Mar 2 class ends Nov 3. Other terms subject to regular rate.
Language
English
Topics
Contemporary Art, Curating
Contact Admissions

+44 (0)20 7462 3232 +1 646-438-7268 shortcourses@sia.edu

Just like the art world itself, the role of the curator and curating as a professional practice have evolved significantly in the 21st century.

This intensive five-day course provides a comprehensive overview and understanding of the institutional, independent, commercial, and digital contexts for contemporary curating today.

Combining classroom-based lectures, seminars, and practical workshops with off-site guided visits, the programme explores curating in museums, commercial galleries, and alternative spaces, such as pop-ups. Both theoretical and logistical elements of curating will be explored: from gallery interpretation, exhibition design and installation planning to funding applications, public relations and outreach.

Benefiting from the experience and expertise of professionals in the field who will speak to a variety of different types of curatorial projects, participants will develop a thorough understanding of the new opportunities and emerging trends afforded by the growth of curatorial activity in a range of exhibition formats and sites.

Students who complete this course are eligible to receive a partial tuition fee waiver equivalent to $2,000 USD if they subsequently enroll in one of our Master’s Degree Programs at our New York, London, or Online locations (pending application and acceptance to the Master’s Degree program). For further details, please see our Student Policies.

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop an awareness of how the local and global contexts for curating art has evolved over the last 25 years to position curatorial practices today.
  • Understand a variety of contemporary curatorial approaches and methodologies as they pertain to working with artworks and artists.
  • Synthesise knowledge and insight from various curatorial practices to start developing a cohesive direction and understanding of the types of projects you may want to work on in the future.
  • Practice forms of research and writing common to curating works of art, and demonstrate a developing critical approach to engaging with audiences.
  • Understand a variety of contemporary professional practices to develop a foundation of knowledge related to the practical skills required to initiate and deliver curatorial projects.

Highlights

Specialized Art World Knowledge

Build critical thinking skills and gain in-depth insight into key topics shaping today’s global art market.

Designed for Every Art World Path

Varying formats for art enthusiasts, students, working professionals, or those considering a career pivot.

Career-Focused Content

Develop practical skills and industry understanding to support career development in an array of fields.

Sample Schedule

Day 1

Become acquainted with expanding definitions of curating and consider the current landscape in which curatorial practices are developing, particularly exhibitions staged within an increasingly digital and experience-based economy as well as the public programmes that often accompany them.

Day 2

Within the context of museums and public collections, explore a variety of contemporary curatorial approaches, theories, and practices – from curating as an act of translation and using fiction as a prompt, to more practical considerations involving mixed media and performance.

Day 3

Delve deeper into commercial galleries, art fairs, and private collections to consider curatorial practices within the context of art business and the art market, including gallery management and collections care.

Day 4

Gain a working knowledge of the practicalities of exhibition planning and design, including logistics such as budgets, collection management systems, packing, transport, installation, loans, public relations and outreach.

Day 5

Explore alternative approaches such as curating exhibitions in artist-led and non-art spaces, considering a wide range of projects working with contemporary artists as well as how to secure funding, partners, and venues for those projects.

Faculty

Course Leader: Curator Academy

Originally from Chicago, Amy worked as a curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum from 2007 to 2013, in three departments (Asia; Word & Image; and Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics & Glass), undertaking a wide range of curatorial activities and working on both major exhibitions and capital projects. She left the Museum to devise and lead the semester course ‘Art Museums, Galleries & Curating’ at Sotheby’s Institute of Art before returning to the V&A in 2016 as Head of the Learning Academy where she led a team which delivered the adult learning program for the Museum, including courses, workshops, conferences, and professional development.

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Details

Sample Topics

  • Expanding definitions of curating and contemporary curatorial practices today, including curator as caretaker, auteur, facilitator, and mediator.
  • Broadening the size and scope for exhibition formats and spaces in a digital age.
  • Museum curating and working independently to collaborate with an institution or private collection.
  • Working with objects and contemporary artists, including interventions and commissions.
  • Understanding audience engagement and how curatorial projects can have impact on a local and global level.

Course Completion

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.

Students who complete this course are eligible to receive a partial tuition fee waiver equivalent to $2,000 USD if they subsequently enroll in one of our Master’s Degree Programs at our New York, London, or Online locations (pending application and acceptance to the Master’s Degree program). For further details, please see our Student Policies.

Requirements

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, however, we prefer that students have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience to be able to properly engage in the course.

For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions.

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.

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