Undergraduate

Global Art Market

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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
Art Business
Contact Admissions

studyabroad@sia.edu

Develop your understanding of the global art economy and gain practical skills for success in the international art world.

The Global Art Market course provides a comprehensive exploration of the international art economy, charting its historical evolution and the innovations shaping its future. You will examine the key institutions and business models that underpin this economy while analyzing the social, technological, and economic forces shaping today’s art world.

This immersive program combines expert-led discussions with practical workshops, including writing for the art world and art market analysis. A special focus is placed on the auction house, providing you with hands-on experience and insights into one of the most influential sectors of the industry.

By the end of the course, you will have developed both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to navigate and succeed in the international art market.

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

Course Highlights

Gain a Comprehensive Understanding of the Global Art Market

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the international art economy including its key players and evolving business models. Learn how culture, economics, and technology intersect to shape today’s art world.

Experience the Art Industry Up Close

Take part in exclusive co-curricular activities, including visits to Sotheby’s Auction House, the British Museum, Tate Modern, and leading galleries. Attend live auctions and behind-the-scenes tours with industry professionals.

Master Critical and Practical Skills

Develop expertise in market analysis, provenance research, and ethical frameworks. Hone your ability to write for the art world, deliver persuasive presentations, and apply digital tools for research and communication.

Engage with Current Issues and Future Trends

Examine pressing issues such as restitution, digital innovation, and sustainability. Explore how the global art market is evolving and how to responsibly engage with changes in the industry.

Sessions

Session 1

Dates
June 15 – July 10, 2026
Status
Open
Apply Link
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Session 2

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

Living in London

As the birthplace of Sotheby’s Auction House and a hub for dynamism, London is a city which fuses classic with contemporary and edgy with eclectic. From baroque balustrades to bold, brutalist architecture and an air of refined modern elegance, London is a place for exploration and inspiration. History is quite literally around every corner within this giant metropolis and provides the perfect backdrop for ideation and academia.

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: Introduction to the Art Market

Receive a foundational overview of the global art market and understand the key players that shape the market, such as artists, dealers, collectors, auction houses, and museums.Explore the intersections of culture, economics, and history that underpin the contemporary art market.

Week 2: Culture and Critique

Examine how art operates within broader systems of cultural production, critique, and representation. Analyze the relationships between artists, galleries, and critics, considering how meaning, reputation, and perceptions of value are constructed in the contemporary art world.

Week 3: Provenance, Repatriation, and Current Issues in Art

Explore pressing global issues that define the contemporary art market, including provenance, restitution, and repatriation debates, and questions of cultural ownership. Analyze frameworks and global regulation through case studies that reveal the ethical and legal complexities surrounding the global art market.

Week 4: New Trends and the Future of the Art Market

In the final week, you’ll explore cultural, economic, and ethical insights into the future of the art market. Look ahead to the evolving landscape of the global art market, including digital innovation, diversity, and sustainability. Learn to critically assess where the art market is heading and how emerging professionals can responsibly engage with it.

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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