The dedicated and intensive Curating course is designed to illuminate the history and theory of curatorial practice as well as the processes, procedures, and practical skills utilized by both curators and other professionals within the art world. Through a series of lectures, seminars, workshops, on-site visits to museums and galleries and in-depth case studies, course participants will develop an understanding of historic curatorial practices and their impact on the field today.
The course explores current debates about art museums and galleries in the context of the history of collecting, care, and exhibition of artworks as well as standards of best practice and curatorial competencies, both inside and outside of the museum model, including art fairs and commercial spaces. Through a hands-on learning approach, course participants will examine key components and considerations of curatorial practice, such as acquisitions and collecting, research, display methods, exhibition planning, conservation, and interpretation.
Daily visits to a wide variety of historic and contemporary museums, galleries, arts and cultural venues
Lectures and workshops delivered by leading curators and industry experts
Opportunities to attend special events and develop an in-depth awareness of curatorial practice across art world sectors
Course Leader: Curating., and Course Leader: Art and Social Responsibility
Originally from Chicago, Amy holds a PhD in the History of Art from University College London on the construction of the self in fin-de-siècle photography. Since 2007 she has been an Assistant Curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum. In the Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics and Glass Department, she has undertaken a very wide range of curatorial activities, working on major exhibition projects, with special responsibility for the sculpture collection and expertise on wax objects.
Read MoreEnglish 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.