From auctions to private sales and retail, participants will understand the different sales channels that drive the business today. Participants will begin by looking at how auction houses have evolved over the centuries, establishing a solid historical context for the rest of our studies. From Contemporary to Impressionist & Modern, from Old Masters to Luxury, they will tackle the various categories that an auction house offers and how they have driven the market over different periods of time.
Through visits to several different auction houses in London, participants will assess their similarities and differences and analyse the various markets in which they operate, as well as learning about every aspect of the secondary market cycle, from business getting and deal making to marketing and selling. Participants will additionally hear from professionals working across the auction industry and become acquainted with the various opportunities that exist within it. The course concludes with a final project whereby participants will take part in a mock auction, applying the skills and knowledge they have learned.
Students who complete this course are eligible to receive a tuition credit equivalent to $2,000 USD if they subsequently enroll in one of our Master’s Degree Programs at our New York, London, or Online locations (pending application and acceptance to the Master’s Degree program).
Understand the history of auction houses and how that context affects the business today.
Develop familiarity with the different sales channels and categories that today’s auction houses offer.
Understand the secondary market cycle, and how auction houses compete for and win business.
Discover the broad range of roles within an auction house and how these contribute to the running of the business.
Faculty, London
Joe Dunning is an art market expert with eighteen years’ experience in the commercial art world, He has worked with artists, galleries, auction houses, art fairs, and advisors, with a particular focus on Contemporary, Post-War, Modern, and Impressionist art. He specialises in business development, client engagement, and the intersection of art with the fields of technology, finance, and philanthropy. As an auctioneer he has first-hand experience of the mechanics of the art market; and through academic study and professional experience of museums and other non-profit organisations, he has a thorough understanding of the entire art ecosystem.
Read MoreDay 1: Gain an understanding of how auction houses have evolved over time and the different sales channels that drive business today.
Day 2: Visit Sotheby’s auction house and hear from specialists, such as restitution researchers and cataloguers, to name a few.
Day 3: Examine various innovations made by auction houses in recent years, such as online-only sales, private sales departments, non-selling exhibitions, and their expansion into the luxury sector.
Day 4: Explore additional auction houses, such as Bonhams and Christie’s, to understand the various markets at work and see the similarities and differences between them.
Day 5: Participate in a mock auction, putting skills gleaned throughout the week to work.
Course participants take away in-depth and valuable insight into the current and future art world. 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 past participants around the globe who hold top positions at renowned art organizations.
Students who complete this course are eligible to receive a tuition credit equivalent to $2,000 USD if they subsequently enroll in one of our Master’s Degree Programs at our New York, London, or Online locations (pending application and acceptance to the Master’s Degree program).
We highly encourage participants with at least 3 years of post-graduate work experience for a smooth and successful course experience.
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.
We encourage interested individuals to book a consultation time with a member of our admissions team to learn more about this course and our registration process.
Please use this link to book a consultation time via phone or video call.