Sotheby’s January Term: Inside the Art Market

Outcomes

Develop a critical understanding of the global art market, gain firsthand insight into New York City’s art market, and build the analytical skills needed to evaluate the forces shaping today’s creative economy.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Analyze the roles that galleries, museums, auction houses, and private collections play in shaping the art market ecosystem.
• Apply key concepts in art collecting, art finance, and market analysis to real-world case studies and industry examples.
• Develop confidence in discussing and presenting complex ideas about art, culture, and creative industries in a professional context.
• Assess current trends, opportunities, and challenges affecting the international art market and creative economy.
• Identify potential academic pathways and career opportunities across the art market and wider cultural sector.

Course Topics

Students will explore the cultural, economic, and institutional forces that shape the contemporary global art market through expert-led seminars and firsthand engagement with New York City’s leading arts organizations.

Topics include:

• Contemporary art markets and market trends
• Art valuation and pricing
• Provenance and authenticity
• Art collecting and collecting practices
• Auction houses and the secondary art market
• Current issues shaping the creative economy

Site Visits

Explore New York City’s art market through visits to leading museums, galleries, and auction houses. From renowned cultural institutions to contemporary gallery districts, you will gain valuable insight into the organizations, professionals, and practices that shape the global art market.

Site visits may include:

• Sotheby’s New York
• Chelsea and Tribeca galleries
• The Museum of Modern Art
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• The Frick Collection
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
• Whitney Museum of American Art

Guest Lectures

Hear from leading professionals working across the art market, museums, galleries, and cultural sector. Through guest lectures and industry conversations, you will gain firsthand insight into the career paths and professional practices that define the industry today.

Guest lectures may include:

• Art advisors
• Gallery directors
• Auction house specialists
• Museum curators
• Art lawyers
• Insurance specialists
• Conservators
• Collection managers
• Appraisers

Admissions

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

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.

Applications for Sotheby’s January Term are now open. Apply by the Early Bird Deadline on October 5 for $225 off your tuition.

Apply Now

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.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition

$3,500 $3,275 for those who apply by the Early Bird Deadline on October 5.

Optional Accommodation

$1,950

Deposit

A program deposit of $1,500 is required for students to reserve their enrollment in the program. The deposit is credited toward the total tuition amount.

Application Fee

To apply, students are required to submit a non-refundable $50 fee via the online application.

Location

Sotheby’s Institute of Art-New York is located in the historic General Electric building, an art deco landmark in the heart of the city. Venture around the corner and visit world-renowned auction houses including Sotheby’s, where you’ll have access to stunning art collections, riveting auctions, and industry leaders at the forefront of today’s most exciting sales.