Course participants will examine established art markets in the developed world and emerging art markets in the developing world, together with legal and management issues related to global art business practice, with a particular emphasis on the international auction house system. Designed to encourage the kind of entrepreneurial thinking on which the art world thrives, the course culminates in a final project in which students develop a new art business and pitch it to investors.
The course prepares students for a wide range of careers in the art world, both commercial and not-for-profit sectors, or for further study on one of our postgraduate programs. Practical skills gained include connected to accessing and analysing art market data, and to evaluating market value for art works across key sectors. Students are introduced to contemporary management models for commercial and non-commercial practices through theory, case studies and practical work. Branding and marketing issues are explored, and essential art market professional roles (e.g., art advisor, curator, gallerist, collector, journalist, art fund manager, etc.) are investigated, together with innovative new art business models, including online initiatives. Through lectures, seminars and visits, students witness first-hand what it takes to make a business successful in today’s art market.
Reading Week: March 3 – 7
We are offering two intensive courses during the reading week that can be taken in conjunction with Art Business:
*Please be advised, the timings may vary based on the day’s schedule, however sessions will conclude no later than 5:30pm.
Daily lectures from leading industry professionals
An extensive range of visits including Sotheby’s Auction House and leading art fairs
Develop the required skills to create innovative art world enterprises
Develop a new art business and pitch it to investors
Director of Art Business and Enterprise Programs, London
Jeffrey Boloten is Co-Founder and Managing Director of ArtInsight Ltd., the education partner of art market research firm, ArtTactic. He was a director with several leading international publishers, including Penguin Books, and has held posts at the Tate and as General Manager of a London art college. Boloten is a frequent speaker and lecturer at international art fairs and conferences on topics including the global art market, photography market, and art investment markets. He is a Founding Member of PAIAM, Professional Advisors to the International Art Market, and a member of the Advisory Board for the inaugural Photo Shanghai Art Fair.
Read MoreWeek 1: Gain a basic understanding of the current art market and learn about the auction process.
Week 2: Explore the tools used to analyze the art market, such as varying research methods. Examine the state of the art market through auctions.
Week 3: Discover the Chinese art market and learn about what goes into producing and curating an exhibition, as well as museums and commercial enterprises. Visit a contemporary gallery, such as Gallery Rosenfeld, and get a tour of the current exhibitions.
Week 4: Learn how art law impacts business, from intellectual property laws to selling art online, via a working lawyer.
Week 5: Discover art fairs and the market for photography and visit Sotheby’s Auction House for a preview of upcoming sales.
Week 6: Explore the financial side of art business through case studies and take a day trip to Margate to explore the burgeoning gallery scene.
Week 7: Understand entrepreneurship and what it takes to run a commercial gallery. Speak with a gallery director about their experience starting and running their own gallery.
Week 8: Examine various marketing strategies and approaches to PR.
Week 9: Explore sustainability, buying and selling at auction, and patronage and artists in relation to the art market.
Week 10: Focus on the role of the art advisor and learn about collecting in the 21st century. Hear from experts in art advising and collecting.
Week 11: Engage with new technologies and performance art as they relate to the art market.
Week 12: Teach fellow students about what you learned through final presentations.
For individuals looking for an expansive grounding in the art world, Art Business can be paired with the 12 week Art History course to create a full time (4 days per week) schedule of study over the course of a semester at a discounted tuition rate (Art Business/Art History)
English Language Requirement
Course participants should be proficient in written and spoken English and be able to participate in group discussions and presentations in English. It is recommended that participants have the equivalent level of IELTS score of 6.0 /TOEFL score of 78 IBT, however evidence of test scores is not required to register.
Age Requirement
Courses are open to participants 18 years of age or older, however, we prefer that students have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience to be able to properly engage in the course .
For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions.
Course participants take away in-depth and valuable insight into the current and future art world, to be sufficiently prepared for a wide-ranging career within the art industry. Those who successfully complete their course will receive a certificate of completion from Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
Sotheby’s Institute of Art course participants come from all over the world, from a wide variety of backgrounds. As they study, travel, and explore the art world alongside each other throughout the program, fierce and long-lasting collaborations are frequently born. Individuals who complete these courses join our network of over 8,000 alumni around the globe who hold top positions at renowned art organizations.
We encourage interested individuals to book a consultation time with the course leader, Jeffrey Boloten, to learn more about this course and the student experience. If you are unable to find a time that works for you, please feel free to reach out to us directly at shortcourses@sia.edu.
Please use this link to book a consultation time via phone or video call.