Undergraduate

Curator Academy

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Date
June 15 – July 10, 2026
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Duration
4 Weeks
Location
London
Age
18+
Program
Undergraduate
Mode of Learning
In-Person
Price
Tuition
£5,500​
Early-Bird Rate
£4,950
Early Bird rate ends January 15.
Language
English
Topic
Curating
Contact Admissions

studyabroad@sia.edu

Explore how curation is evolving in today's art world and gain the skills to join the next generation of art leaders.

Curator Academy is a project-based course that focuses on current developments in art curation, examining expanded definitions of curating and the evolving local, global, and digital landscapes for curatorial work and activity today.

Designed for emerging curators, art historians, and creative thinkers, this course explores how curating has expanded beyond the walls of museums to encompass independent, digital, and hybrid contexts in the post-2020 world. Through a blend of lectures, workshops, and hands-on projects, you will gain the conceptual insight and entrepreneurial skills needed to plan, develop, and deliver a curatorial project from start to finish.

Examine the multiple identities of the curator—auteur, facilitator, mediator, and project manager—while engaging directly with London’s vibrant art scene and the global network of Sotheby’s Institute. With exclusive access to the Institute’s networks, specialists, and industry events, you will experience unparalleled professional immersion and build lasting connections that bridge the classroom and the global art world.

By the end of the course, you will emerge with a professional curatorial toolkit, a deeper understanding of the art ecosystem, and the confidence to navigate and shape the future of curating.

Applications for summer 2026 are now open. Apply by January 15 to be eligible for our Early-Bird Rate.

Course Highlights

Gain a Holistic Understanding of Curation Practices

Learn how curating has evolved beyond museum walls to include independent and digital practices. Analyze the cultural, social, and ethical dimensions shaping curatorial work today.

Engage With London's Art Scene

Enhance in-classroom learning with site visits to leading art institutions such as the British Museum, National Gallery, and Design Museum.

Develop Your Curatorial Skills

Gain hands-on experience in research and exhibition design. Learn how to write curatorial texts, commission artworks, and apply digital tools used by curators worldwide.

Sessions

Session 1

Dates
June 15 – July 10, 2026
Status
Open
Apply Link
Apply

Session 2

Dates
July 13 – August 7, 2026
Status
Open
Apply Link
Apply

Next Steps

A Look Inside Curator Academy

Learn more about Curator Academy in an interview with the 2025 course leader as she discusses learning outcomes and her insights into curation.

“We’re just as focused on the development of practical skills as we are on building an understanding of conceptual and theoretical aspects of contemporary curating, so weekly practical workshops are a crucial aspect of the course.”

Details

Who Is It For?

All applicants must be at least 18 years old by the beginning of the program and currently enrolled in, or considering enrolling in, an undergraduate university program.

Students will be eligible to earn academic credit upon completion of the program. All courses are accredited for 4 US credits through the University of Montana.

Applying students are required to have a minimum 2.5 GPA or equivalent and will need to upload an unofficial copy of their most current university transcript as well as provide a short personal statement detailing their interest in the program. For non-native English speakers, we require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL score of 85 IBT, CEFR score of B2, or a Duolingo score of 120.

The program is suitable for students studying a wide range of major subjects across, humanities, arts, and business.

Course Modules

Week 1: The Art of Curation

Explore the fundamentals of curating, from museums to art exhibitions.

Week 2: Culture and Critique

Explore the power of curators to shape narratives and perceptions depending on curatorial approaches. Build foundation skills for writing gallery texts and conducting research.

Week 3: The Curator as Auteur

Understand the role of the curator’s voice and perspective, including how they conduct research, curate displays, and respond to the needs of client briefs.

Week 4: Curating the Future

What does the future of curation look like? How can exhibitions respond to current social or economic environments? Students will explore the practical sides of curation, including conservation, sales, and marketing.

Admissions

Applications for summer 2026 are now open. Apply here.

View the Undergraduate Summer Program in London Terms and Conditions here.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition

£5,500 (Early-Bird rate of £4,950 if application submitted by January 15)

Optional Accommodation

£2,500

Deposit

A £2,500 Tuition Deposit will be due upon acceptance of offer to hold your space in the program.

Optional Accommodation

Sotheby’s Institute of Art has secured a limited number of housing accommodations for students in central London participating in the Summer Program in London (for an additional accommodation fee). If you are interested in securing one of these accommodation spots, you can submit your application for this accommodation option on the program application. This accommodation is provided on a first come, first served basis.

Residential students are provided single studio rooms with a private en-suite bathroom and personal kitchenette. Residential students have full access to other facilities within the residence, including but not limited to a gym, quiet study areas, social spaces, and laundry facilities. The reception staff provide assistance and support 24/7, and the buildings are equipped with CCTV.

Location

Sotheby’s Institute of Art-London is situated in Bedford Square with the British Museum in the neighboring square. Sotheby’s auction house, the National Gallery, and the Royal Academy of Arts are a short walk away. The Institute is also close to Mayfair, the traditional center of the London art market where many dealers and galleries are located.

Questions?

Contact our admissions team at studyabroad@sia.edu for more information.

You are also welcome to book a phone or video consultation with our admissions team to learn more about this program. Book Your Consultation Here.

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