Course description
As the landscape for art consumption expands, the contemporary art market’s explosive growth calls for a more in-depth look into the role of the gallery. This course explores the fundamentals of establishing and running a contemporary gallery in today’s interconnected art market. From business strategies and day-to-day operations – including ideas for using new technologies to drive sales and engagement – to key considerations for cultivating clients and managing artists, this course provides an invaluable introduction to the high-stakes world of commercial art galleries.
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Suitability - Who should attend?
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 alumni around the globe who hold top positions at renowned art organizations.
Training Course Content
Day 1: Learn from your instructor about the history of commercial galleries and the many skills required to run one, such as marketing, curating exhibitions, and establishing a strong artistic program.
Day 2: Hear from logistics professionals on gallery needs such as shipping, data management, and online platforms. In the afternoon, discover case studies detailing the rise of the mega gallery and hear from an emerging gallerist on the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working with early-career artists.
Day 3: Visit the renowned Chelsea gallery district and experience a private visit to an established gallery, getting a behind-the-scenes look at their operations. Then, head to the new cultural center of Tribeca and meet with gallery owners.
Day 4: Recap yesterday’s visits through a lecture on emerging galleries and their role in the market ecosystem. Then, visit the Lower East Side, and up-and-coming gallery neighborhood, to view exhibitions and meet with gallery staff.
Day 5: Discuss the role of studio visits for gallerists and best practices for working with artists. The afternoon is reserved for presentations of the optional final project and for your instructor to answer any outstanding questions you may have about running a gallery.
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Sotheby's Institute of Art
Sotheby’s auction house was founded in 1744 when Samuel Baker, an entrepreneur, occasional publisher, and successful businessman held his first auction. Today at Sotheby’s Institute, we emphasize a keen understanding of an object’s value and history, a spirit of inquiry...