Art Scenes Around the World

Global Perspectives of Sotheby’s Institute Alumni

At Sotheby’s Institute of Art, we foster the next generation of global art world leaders and voices. Our worldwide network of alumni spans continents and cultures, shaping the future of the art market, museums, galleries, and beyond.

Through our Art Scenes Around the World series, we journey into vibrant art landscapes—from emerging hubs to established centers—guided by the unique insights and experiences of our alumni. Their perspectives offer an invaluable lens on what makes each scene thrive and evolve.

Read on to explore how these voices illuminate the art world’s diversity, innovation, and cultural dialogue across the globe.

Madrid with Alumnus Enrique Santos

Madrid’s cultural footprint is growing louder on the global art stage. With its blend of heritage institutions, pioneering galleries, and an increasingly international collector base, the Spanish capital is attracting renewed attention. Alumnus Enrique Santos, co-founder of Magalhães & Santos—a gallery specializing in Old Masters and 20th-century design in Madrid’s Malasaña neighborhood—shares his insider perspective on what makes the city’s art scene so compelling.

Ghana with Alumna Chantel Akworkor Thompson

Ghana’s contemporary art scene is quietly experiencing another transformative period, and women are at the heart of this evolution. Alumna Chantel Akworkor Thompson, founder of DēpART Consultancy and winner of the Institute’s 2025 Gavel start-up pitch competition, shares her insider perspective on what makes Ghana’s art scene one to watch.

Taiwan with Alumna Agnes Liao

Taiwan’s art scene is gaining momentum on the global stage. With its mix of cutting-edge contemporary spaces, vibrant art fairs, and a new generation of collectors and curators, the island is fast becoming a cultural force in Asia. Alumna Agnes Liao, Artistic Director of UP Gallery—Taiwan’s only gallery dedicated to photography and moving images—shares her insider perspective on what makes Taiwan’s art scene so dynamic right now.

Shanghai with Alumnus Nathan Yeomans

Shanghai’s cultural landscape is thriving, blending innovation, tradition, and global influence. From pioneering institutions like TANK Shanghai to a new generation of independent galleries and creative collectives, Shanghai is redefining what an urban art scene can be. Alumnus and curator Nathan Yeomans shares his insider perspective on what makes Shanghai’s art scene one to watch.

India with Alumnus Mohit Gupta

India’s art ecosystem is no longer defined simply by growth. What feels distinctive about the present moment is intention. In India, the gallery landscape is broader, the network connecting artists, collectors, and institutions more interconnected, with a conversation that has grown more considered — less about arrival, more about consolidation. Sotheby’s Institute alumnus Mohit Gupta shares why he sees India’s art scene as plural and globally engaged, increasingly focused on building depth through research, process, and long‑term stewardship.

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