Undergraduate

Sotheby’s Summer Program: Curating the City

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Date
July 12 – August 6, 2027
Duration
4 Weeks
Location
New York
Age
18+
Program
Undergraduate
Mode of Learning
In-Person
Price
Tuition
$7,100
Optional Accommodation
$3,950
Apply by the Early Bird Deadline on January 31 to receive $450 off your tuition.
Language
English
Topic
Curating
Contact Admissions

studyabroad@sia.edu

Go behind the scenes of the world's premier art galleries and collections in this immersive exploration of contemporary curatorial practice.  

In this four-week course, you will discover how exhibitions, collections, and cultural spaces shape the way we experience art. Examine contemporary curatorial practice, combining behind-the-scenes access to New York City’s museums, galleries, auction houses, and private collections with hands-on experience in exhibition design, interpretation, writing, and storytelling.

Explore how collections are built and managed, the relationship between curating and commerce, and the growing influence of digital platforms and emerging technologies. At the end of the course, you will have developed the curatorial skills and industry perspectives needed for a future career in the global art industry.

Apply by the Early Bird Deadline on January 31 to receive $450 off your tuition.

Sessions

Session Two

Dates
July 12 – August 6, 2027
Status
New
Apply Link
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Living in New York City

As a global epicenter of art, culture, and commerce, New York City offers an electrifying backdrop for study and industry immersion. Home to iconic museums, influential galleries, and world-renowned auction houses, the city blends historic landmarks with innovation and vivid creativity. From the architectural grandeur of the Upper East Side to the energy of downtown art districts, New York is ideal for students driven by curiosity and searching for inspiration. Every neighborhood tells a different story—making the city itself an extension of the classroom.

Details

Who Is It For?

Summer Program in New York City is open to applicants at least 18 years old by the beginning of the program and currently enrolled in, or considering enrolling 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.

Domestic (U.S.) 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.

International students (non-US students) may not be able to take this course for credit. However, we still welcome international students to apply if they are interested to take the course on a recreational basis. For more information, please contact our admissions team at studyabroad@sia.edu.

Course Topics

The Role of the Curator

Learn contemporary curatorial practice and the evolving role of the curator.

New York’s Art Ecosystem

Explore the city through the lens of a curator, with behind-the-scenes access to museums, galleries, auction houses, collections, and more.

Curating and Display

Develop hands-on skills in exhibition design, writing, digital platforms and emerging technologies, interpretation, and spatial storytelling.

Museum Collections and Acquisitions

Learn how collections are built, managed, and interpreted, and the relationships between curating and commerce in the art world.

The Future of Curating

Explore emerging practices, technologies, and new models for museums, galleries, and collections.

Site Visits

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

Site visits may include:

  • Sotheby’s New York City
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Whitney Museum of American Art
  • Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
  • The Studio Museum in Harlem
  • The Museum of the City of New York
  • Galleries, showrooms, private collections, and design spaces

Guest Lectures

As one of the world’s leading epicenters of art and culture, New York City offers unparalleled access to leading practitioners and experts. They will join us to share the skills and knowledge needed for careers in museums, galleries, auction houses, and the wider creative industries.

Sotheby’s Institute of Art undergraduate courses have previously welcomed:

  • Rong Bao, multimedia artist and sculptor
  • Tamsin Golding Yee, Deputy Director, Sotheby’s London
  • Kelsey Macpherson, Contemporary Art Specialist, Sotheby’s London
  • Barnaby Phillips, award-winning art historian, broadcaster and author
  • Isaac Simon, Founder and Director, South Parade gallery

Deadlines

Early Bird Deadline

January 31, 2027

Apply by the Early Bird Deadline to receive $450 off your tuition.

Regular Decision Deadline

March 31, 2027

Rolling Admissions Application Deadline

June 12, 2027

View the Undergraduate Summer Program in New York Terms and Conditions here.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition

$7,100

Apply by the Early Bird Deadline on January 31 to receive $450 off your tuition.

Optional Accommodation

$3,950

Deposit

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

Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of $50 will be due at the time of application submission.

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.

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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