Sotheby’s Summer Institute invites high schoolers who are curious and passionate about the arts to immerse themselves in one of the most vibrant art capitals in the world, New York City. We spoke to Kayo about his unforgettable summer experience.
How did you decide to enrol in the Summer Institute program at Sotheby’s Institute of Art?
I decided to enroll in the Summer Institute program at Sotheby's Institute of Art because I wanted to spend my summer taking a deeper look into the art world that I have been surrounded by growing up in New York City. I was particularly interested in the business aspects of the art world, having only been exposed to art from a visitor's perspective in museums and galleries. Sotheby's Summer Institute was the best way for me to pursue this interest.
Which course(s) did you enrol on and why?
I enrolled in the Art Business course because it was most tailored to my interests. Looking at the course description online before the program, I felt that it was the right fit for me with its many site visits and in-depth analysis of the art market from experts. Learning about the art market through first-hand experiences like these is a core element of the Art Business course that motivated me to choose it.
What was the most interesting thing you learned / experienced during your time in New York City?
The most interesting thing I learned from the Art Business course at Sotheby's Summer Institute was the importance of human relationships in the art world. My professor stressed the importance of talking to people in-person, meeting artists, and even writing handwritten letters to the guests who spoke with us. I feel like this is a lesson to carry into the constantly-evolving future of the art world. While technology will undoubtedly play a vital role, it is reassuring to know that relationships between people still remain at the core of this field. While certain things around it may change, the human aspects of art will be preserved.
Describe your favorite day of the program. Where did you go, who did you meet with?
One of my favorite days in the program was when we visited artist studios. It was impressive to see the artists' workspaces and understand the life-cycle of an artwork from its creation. We learned how artists develop their unique practices in order to innovate in the art world. It was also very insightful to learn about the market from their perspective and see how they approach relationships with gallerists and museum curators. Comparing and contrasting these different perspectives on the art market was a very enriching experience.
What was your day-to-day experience like?
My day-to-day experience with the course was very fulfilling. In the morning, I would take the subway to Midtown for the lecture, which was usually the first thing we did every day. Then, we would take the subway as a group further downtown to the Lower East Side, to Chelsea, or out to Brooklyn in places like Dumbo and Williamsburg for site visits. There, we spoke directly with artists, auctioneers, gallerists, and experts in many different fields within the art market. There were about two to three visits per day, so a lot of time was spent on the subway and walking, but it was definitely worth it to have the full New York City experience. Lunch was usually a classic New York pizza slice or an authentic bagel. Once we finished with the visits in the afternoon, we returned to the classroom to summarize our experiences from the day and prepare homework for the following days. I live in New York City and could've gone home after class, but I preferred to spend time in the evenings with my friends from the program either working on our projects or walking around the city.
How will you take these experiences from the program into your life moving forward?
There are many valuable lessons from the program, both inside and outside the classroom, that I carry with me today. First, it is important to get out there and explore. Most of the knowledge I gained from the course came from first-hand experiences with gallerists, artists, curators, and other experts. In New York City, there are countless resources available at our fingertips—it's just a matter of taking that first step into a gallery and meeting the gallerists, artists, and even other visitors. The confidence to explore the art world, cultivate relationships, and fully immerse myself in it is one of the most valuable lessons I learned from my professor.
Second, the friendships I made through this program are ones I will certainly carry with me into the future. Although we live on separate continents, I remain in touch with the friends I made during the course. The experiences I shared with them—whether working on a group project or simply walking around the city together—are unforgettable.
What are you considering as a profession once you graduate?
I see myself working in a gallery, museum, or auction house—most likely on the business or client relations side of one of these organizations. By working in these fields, I will be able to apply the knowledge and skills I have gained through this course to succeed. I want to use art as a common ground to connect with others and share the stories that artworks have to tell.