Pre-College

Art Markets in Action: Galleries/Auction Houses

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Date
July 6, 2025
Duration
2 Weeks
Location
New York
Grades
Rising 10-12, Graduating Seniors
Program
Pre-College
Mode of Learning
In-Person
Price
Day Program
$5,660
Residential Program
$6,990
Tuition Information
Language
English
Topic
Art Business
Contact Admissions

+1 646-665-1861 precollege@sia.edu

Explore art galleries and auction houses, the key players in the art market. Learn from experts and get an insider’s look at how each business model influences the global art industry.

Students enrolled in this course will gain a comprehensive understanding of the connection between art and the venues where it is exhibited and sold, through an in-depth study of the most important places of art commerce: art galleries and auction houses. Guided by a professional auctioneer and gallery specialist, students will visit several key examples of auction houses and art galleries in New York City, one of the world’s most dynamic cultural epicenters, setting the stage for students to observe, discuss, and critique how art functions in the market. This course will also explore the crucial role of art fairs for a gallery’s economic survival and how businesses are evolving in the 21st century by using innovative technology to meet the demands of an increasingly virtual world.

This course uses a module format, with a focus on auction houses in one week and a focus on galleries in the other. Each module culminates in an exciting final project and offers opportunities to learn about careers in galleries and auction houses and the art world at large.

Highlights

Follow the Journey of Art from Studio to Sale

Explore how artworks move from the artist’s studio into the hands of collectors through galleries and auction houses. Learn how the primary and secondary markets operate—and why that distinction matters in the art world.

Go Behind the Scenes at Auction Houses

Visit both major and boutique auction houses to see how artworks are consigned, catalogued, marketed, and sold. Discover the strategies, innovations, and business models that power today’s art auctions—from online sales to luxury brand partnerships.

Step Into the Salesroom During a Mock Auction

Take on the role of a bidder or auctioneer in a simulated art auction led by a real auctioneer. Experience firsthand the energy, negotiation, and strategy behind successful art sales.

Learn How Galleries Shape the Art World

Discover how galleries represent artists, influence trends, and engage with collectors. Meet with curators, dealers, and marketers to understand how they curate exhibitions and manage the business side of the art world.

Terms

All courses are open to rising 10th – 12th graders and graduating seniors. Explore the full summer schedule.

View Schedule

Term One

Dates
July 6 – 18, 2025
Grades
Rising 10-12, Graduating Seniors
Status
Closed

Next Steps

Details

Site Visits

Visits will include trips to major New York City galleries and auction houses.

In the past, site visits have included:

  • Sotheby’s auction house
  • Phillips auction house
  • Top galleries, such as David Zwirner, Gagosian, and Hauser & Wirth
  • Up-and-coming gallery neighborhoods, such as Tribeca, the Lower East Side, and Chinatown
  • Art fair organizations

Please note: This information is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Sotheby’s Institute of Art

Guest Speakers

Students will hear firsthand from art advisors, auction house specialists, and gallerists about the topics that shape our understanding of how auction houses and galleries operate on both the local and global art world stage.

In the past, guest speakers have included:

  • Art dealers
  • Gallerists
  • Auction house specialists
  • Art fair directors
  • Art advisors

Please note: This information is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Sotheby’s Institute of Art

Summer Institute Faculty

Our instructors are award-winning Sotheby’s Institute faculty, recognized thought leaders and professional experts in the art world. Each faculty member structures their course around real-time conversations defining their professions and helps students master the unique forces at play in the art world.

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