London is one of the world’s most vibrant centres of contemporary art. Full of enterprising galleries and artists’ spaces that have burgeoned across the capital, it has attracted artists of many different nationalities to live and work here.
This intensive six-week course is aimed at students seeking to experience the art scene in London at close quarters and to learn about the wider historic and cultural implications of contemporary art in context.
This course incorporates both in classroom teaching and on-site visits to a wide spectrum of art world institutions. Visits include artist studios, museums, foundations, private museums, established commercial galleries, emerging commercial galleries. The market for contemporary art and the role of the contemporary art curator and the collector are also addressed.
This course was previously offered in a different format as part of the Semester program in London and can be paired with Art Business and Curating to complete a 12-week full time (4 days / week) semester study.
Daily visits to contemporary art institutions and commercial galleries
Access to leading Contemporary Art Professionals
An in-depth exploration of the key contemporary art sectors
Consultant Lecturer, London
Dr Flavia Frigeri is an art historian and curator, focusing on post-war Italian art, feminism, exhibition histories and pop art. In September 2020 she joined the National Portrait Gallery in the capacity of curator; leading on a three-year research project with a particular emphasis on female artists and sitters. Previously she worked at Tate Modern, where she co-curated The World Goes Pop (2015) and was responsible for Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs (2014), Paul Klee: Making Visible (2013) and Ruins in Reverse (2013).
Read MoreThis course can be paired with the 12-week Art Business course and the 6-week Curating course OR the 6-week Art Finance and Innovation course to create a full time (4-days per week) schedule of study over the course of a semester.
Individuals who take two or more courses in combination (during the same semester) will receive a discounted rate.
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.
For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions.
The course is assessed via an oral presentation and a practical written brief.
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.