Sotheby's Institute of Art

Having entered the art world with an undergraduate degree in economics and no background in art, MA Contemporary Art program provided me with an understanding of the fundamentals of art business. From understanding how social and political factors inform artists and art movements, to developing the skills necessary to engage with art in its variety of mediums, my studies have allowed me to speak intelligently about art, and most importantly, to learn how to respect what artists are trying to convey. This experience has taught me to look at art through a more informed lens.

I completed the MA in Contemporary Art in London. My time at Sotheby’s gave me both an entry point into and an understanding of the global art world. During my Master’s studies, I not only gained an incredible amount of academic knowledge, but was also introduced to the London art world and began building my career. In my work, I look at artworks all the time, and having the ability to critically assess and understand them is very important. The skill of visual analysis, as well as developing an eye, was a major focus during my studies, and I am glad that the tutors paid so much attention to it. We were constantly looking at different works and were expected to discuss them. We were also encouraged to go to exhibitions. You learn this skill as a student and then continue to refine it during your professional life.

The most valuable aspect of the curriculum was the incredible access to professionals from every aspect of the art market. Hearing from them directly about the challenges and projects they are dealing with was an invaluable tool to understand the evolving dynamics of the sector and have a better understanding of where opportunities lie.

I applied to Sotheby’s Institute of Art to learn more about the commercial art market and the business of art. I received a Master in Arts in Art Business at Sotheby’s Institute, and my courses included Art Law, International Art Markets, and Art Advisory and Collection Building. I also developed a Curatorial Thesis focused on Black Speculative Art theory, Afrosurrealism, and Afrofuturism. The MA Art Business program gave me a greater understanding of the different forces at play in the art market and how they work together for an artist and their career. It also made me more knowledgeable about the different art-related career opportunities available. Hearing from industry guest speakers, from Amy Cappellazzo to Jerry Saltz, exposed me and my fellow students to the different impacts professionals can make in the industry. It was empowering to be surrounded by professionals with various career experiences through our faculty, like Judith Prowda and Claude Grunitzky. We had a unique experience learning about art not only from a cultural and historical perspective, but also from a legal, financial, and market perspective.

The course was very helpful in laying the foundations of art valuation and learning what determines the success of an artist, as well as identifying the key players driving the direction of the market. On-site visits to galleries, museums, fairs, and the auction house were key to getting a hands-on experience of the different players in the art market. I attended the course during Frieze season, which meant tons of openings, shows, and initiatives provided me with countless learning opportunities, always guided by the wise commentary of our course leader Jeffrey Boloten.

I had an incredible experience at the Sotheby’s Summer Program in London. The four weeks were packed with engaging lectures led by professionals who truly know the industry, and I loved how hands-on it all felt. We weren’t just sitting in a classroom — we were out visiting galleries, museums, and seeing the art world up close. As someone who learns best through real experiences, I found that part especially valuable. As an Art History major, there aren’t many opportunities to explore the business side of the art world, so this program really filled that gap in my education and surpassed all expectations. I also met so many amazing people — many of whom I still keep in touch with months later. Overall, it was such a well-rounded, inspiring experience that I’d recommend to anyone interested in understanding both the academic and market sides of art.

I enrolled in the Art History course because, at the time, I was considering studying the subject in college. New York felt like the perfect place to explore every aspect of what I was considering for my future, and I found it to be an amazing experience. My favorite day of the program was when a group of friends and I went to SoHo together. All of us were from different backgrounds, but we all bonded that day. We went to a nice cafe, shopped a bit in SoHo. My experience at Summer Institute helped me to transform my passion for art history into a concrete plan to pursue it further in college. It also exposed me to different cultures and languages, further reinforcing my interest in international relations.

I had been wanting to study art history at Sotheby’s Institute for a long time and had always been drawn to the Institute’s MA Contemporary Art. I eventually started with a short course, which gave me a solid base and the chance to delve into a subject I’d always been passionate about. I instantly loved the Institute’s teaching approach—placing students in front of artworks, encouraging dialogue, and connecting theory with real experience. After my initial course. I truly believe I could not have received a better education. I constantly recommend the program to others! The MA not only provided me with in-depth knowledge of contemporary art, but it also strengthened my critical thinking, offered a clear structure of how the art world functions, and introduced me to the wide range of professional paths within it.

My learning experience at Sotheby’s Institute of Art-London can be described in three words: insightful, inspiring, and unique. The program appealed to me because it combines expert-led classroom teaching with on-site visits to London’s most exclusive museums, galleries, studios, and more. Specifically, the entrepreneurial spirit of the program’s research projects intrigued me, as they provide an innovative, collaborative, and lasting skill set often overlooked in other programs. One of my most memorable days in the program was spent learning about how conservation practices facilitate the preservation of artworks for future generations thanks to technological developments. This lecture was followed by a trip to a Chiswick-based conservation studio, where we observed outstanding craftsmanship and expertise.

Several elements drew me to the 12-week Art Business Certificate. Its intensive structure offered a focused yet comprehensive introduction to the art world, making it ideal for career development. The balance between in-classroom teaching and on-site visits was one of the most valuable aspects of the course. The classroom sessions gave me the critical frameworks and historical context, and then the visits really brought those ideas to life. One of the most valuable aspects of the curriculum was its strong emphasis on critical analysis and contextual thinking. Rather than focusing solely on objects or market trends, the course encouraged deeper inquiry into how the art world operates, particularly around power, representation, access, and institutional responsibility.

I decided to enroll in Summer Institute because I’ve always known I wanted to work in the art market, and this program felt like a perfect transition into that world. The first week focused on the buying and selling of artworks in auction houses, while the second week introduced us to galleries of all scales—from small independent ones to mid-tier and blue-chip galleries. I took the Art Business course because I am captivated by Sotheby’s auctions and look up to auctioneers like Phyllis Kao. My favorite day of the program was our visit to Sotheby’s auction house. I even got to stand behind the auctioneer’s podium! In the auction room, my class participated in a Q&A with professionals from private sales, finance, and marketing, where we were able to ask questions and hear about their experiences firsthand. My day-to-day experience was a wonderful mix of structure and exploration. Speaking with professionals from Sotheby’s and different galleries confirmed that I want to study art history in college, just like them, and eventually pursue a master’s degree at Sotheby’s Institute.

I did the MA Art Business at the London campus because of its course reputation, faculty, and the depth and breadth of the program. I was looking for a course that would give me a broad but thorough introduction to the commercial art world. The MA Art Business program at Sotheby’s Institute inspired me to explore contemporary art, dream big, and nurture my confidence in international cross-cultural networking, which gave me the encouragement to find my path in the art business world. I would recommend this program to those with an interest in working in the commercial art world and collaborating with art industry players or to those who have an interest in collecting art.

This program helped me realize that I possess the creativity and capability not only to envision a meaningful exhibition but also to bring people together to make it happen. No matter how intimidating the art world may be, I proved my willingness to adapt and take on the responsibility of leadership in this industry. Summer Program gave me a real sense of the art world and where I could fit in. My small hometown in Arkansas has very little artistic diversity or green organizations, so it was refreshing to be in a place that truly appreciates the arts and activism.

My time at Sotheby’s Institute was deeply enriching, and a big part of that was thanks to the incredible professors. Their expertise, support, and ability to connect theory with real-world examples made the learning experience truly engaging and inspiring. I loved how the MA Luxury Business program covered a wide range of luxury sectors—from hospitality and jewelry to fashion and art—and explored the evolving definition of luxury across cultures and time periods. Being in London really enhanced the experience, as the city itself is a global hub for art, fashion, and luxury. I especially appreciated the immersive learning. We had the opportunity to visit incredible places like the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, Rathfinny Wine Estate in Sussex, Van Cleef & Arpels School in Paris, and Mandarin Oriental in Milan. These experiences offered invaluable insight into how luxury is created, curated, and communicated in different contexts. In addition to the site visits, we were also joined by a range of guest speakers from across the luxury sectors, including areas like jewelry and hospitality, who shared valuable insights into their careers, challenges, and lessons learned—adding a real-world dimension that made the learning feel even more relevant and inspiring. I also really enjoyed taking electives from other programs—my course on art forgery, for example, was especially eye-opening and gave me a new lens through which to view authenticity in the luxury space.

With the Institute’s honored reputation in the global art market, its direct link to the auction house, and strong industry connections, this program was an opportunity I could not miss. The integration of academic study with in-person learning offered direct exposure to a wide range of curatorial practices, deepening my professional understanding of the contemporary art world. I completed the Curator Academy course, where I engaged daily with leading industry professionals, translating insights into collaborative group practice during our project planning. This ensured I was not only learning but actively applying curatorial skills with guidance from industry experts.

I learned a lot about myself, what it takes to thrive in new environments and how to navigate new cities, achieve my dreams, and study in another country. This course helped me figure out what I want to do once I leave the classroom

I was curious about how the art world really operates beyond the studio, and Summer Institute felt like the perfect place to explore that intersection. I enrolled in the Art Business course. What I loved most was how the program made these big ideas accessible and real through site visits and discussions with industry professionals. It gave me a much clearer sense of direction and made me realize that I want to pursue a career where I can bridge creativity with business, possibly in art management, advising, or luxury branding. My days were always packed with new exciting experiences for example we visited the Guggenheim to see Rashid Johnson’s show. The exhibition was incredible. The best part was that we actually ran into Rashid Johnson himself that day, and totally by chance! It felt like one of those unplanned New York moments that make the city and this program so special. Going into the program, I felt uncertain about how to turn my love for art into a future career. Summer Institute gave me the clarity I needed.

I enrolled in the luxury business course because it aligned closely with my interests in contemporary art, the art market, and fashion. I was also motivated by my interest in curatorial practice. One of the most interesting aspects of the program was seeing how interconnected the art world is by looking at how history, commerce, creativity, and global perspectives all converge in the city in a very tangible way. One of my favorite days during the program was when we visited the Museum of the City of New York and saw the influence of street art, dance, and culture throughout the decades. Another significant day for me was when we visited Sotheby’s auction house to look at pieces of jewelry that were planned to be auctioned. As someone who has always been immersed in the jewelry world, seeing these pieces was surreal, especially as we learned about both their monetary and historical value. Summer Institute clarified my interests and gave me greater confidence in pursuing a future within the art and cultural sectors, more specifically, a career in curating. It helped me understand the many career paths available and showed me how academic study can translate into professional practice.