An insider’s guide to the art market
Weekend-long art business course
29 June 2019 10am - 5pm30 June 2019 10am - 5pm
Wolfson British Academy Room, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts
£540. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of day one.
Terms and conditions
Led by Dr Anna Dempster and a host of art-world experts and insiders, this weekend course provides a unique opportunity to learn about the key institutions and individuals who shape the art market.
The trade in art and its market has been a central part of the art world since its inception in the ancient world and only gained prominence alongside the professionalization of the profession and the emergence of the art academies in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. On this course experts and scholars will explore the role, history and dynamics of the art market through key institutions which shape, inform and guide it over time.
Although the art world and its markets are conform to some of on the same basic principles of supply and demand as many other sectors, the art market has its own qualities and is also characterised by a unique set of interrelationship between key players. Artists, curators, galleries, auction houses and museums are the justsome of the critical institutions (along with art fairs, biennials and publications) that shape the personal, subjective and financial values in art and create its markets. These actors interact to promote particular definitions of taste and increase demand among collectors for the work of favoured artists.
For this reason, the art world is often referred to as an ecosystem based on a complex web of interconnected organisations and individuals. This network is essential in shaping the contemporary art market’s aesthetic style, as well as its economic and financial valuations and gives its markets a particular flavour. Through real-life examples and scenarios, a range of art market experts will explore key players that shape this world –in an aim to both demystifying some secrets and debunk common myths along the way. Looking at art institutions’ structures, policies, goals and actions, participants explore how this network comes together to shape the art market and how value, legitimacy and legacy are created.
This course considers some of the following themes including:
• The interconnection between key players in both from a historic and a contemporary perspective
• Key actors in both the primary and secondary markets
• The sensitivity and complexity of the art world, specific characteristics and qualities which shape it
• The impact of globalisation and its affect on the behaviour of certain institutions
• The rise of new financial tools, digital companies and online platforms their impact on the market and its participants.
This course aims to provide a rapid overview of key market players, from artists and dealers to auction houses, museum, critics and collectors, as well as more recent and less well-known developments including in financial services and online platforms.
About the course
The course provides a historical and business perspective on the art market, relevant for those who want to take part in this world. Sessions are designed to provide an overview for those new to the field, but relevant for those with prior art-world knowledge keen to learn more from experts.
The course will be delivered primarily through lectures, but will also include an opportunity for debate and discussion from and with participants to unpack some of the fundamental ideas further and with peers.
This course is for you if:
• You have a general interest in the art world and would like a novel way to understand cultural, aesthetic and historical change through looking at art-world institutions
• You currently work, or aspire to work, in the arts and cultural sector and want to understand the interaction between different players and taste makers in the arts
• You have a personal or professional interest in how art can be valued, acquired and interpreted by different audiences
• You have a personal or professional interest in how institutions such as the gallery and the auction house affect the art market
Minimum age 18
The number of participants is strictly limited to allow for group discussions and detailed feedback from course leaders
£540
Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 June 2019
10am-5pm on both days
• 2 days of expert-led lectures and discussions
• Skills and knowledge relevant to those looking to forge a career in the art world
• The opportunity to socialise and network with peers in a friendly environment
• Light refreshments provided on both days
• A drinks reception at the end of day one
• A certificate of participation upon course completion
About the tutor
Dr Anna Dempster
Head of Academic Programmes
Royal Academy
Dr Anna M. Dempster is Head of Academic Programmes at the Royal Academy of Arts and College Research Associate at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, where she also sits on the Fine Arts Committee. Anna was previously Associate Professor in Art Business at Sotheby’s Institute of Art responsible for the Art Business, Finance and Management Unit as well as teaching strategy, entrepreneurship and research methods all tailored for the art world. Prior to that she was Director of Research at the Creative Industries Observatory, University of the Arts London, and Founding Director of the MSc/MA in Creative Industries at Birkbeck College, University of London. She has research and teaching experience in leading international institutions including the University of Cambridge, London Business School and Rotterdam School of Management and she regularly consults for practitioners and policy-makers. She holds a BA and MPhil in History from the University of Cambridge, and a PhD in Management Studies from the Judge Business School, Cambridge.
Our courses and classes programme
Our programme of short courses and classes offers the opportunity to explore a range of subjects, led by expert tutors and practising artists.
Give this course as a gift
All of our courses can be purchased as a gift for a friend or family member – giving the gift of education and a remarkable experience. To arrange a personalised Gift Voucher, please contact Anna Pojer, Academic Programmes Manager, by calling 020 7300 5684 or email anna.pojer@royalacademy.org.uk