Art Business

Course information

Course description

This course provides an introduction into the global art world, its structure and impact on other businesses. You will learn about the players in the field, pricing systems and value definition, both in terms of market growth and investment. You will take away an understanding of the international art world and its global players, lessons in how to operate in a highly disruptive industry.

Art Business short course will introduce candidates to the US$68bn global art world and its complex and often secretive practices. It will explore art market players and their interconnectedness with other sectors, including the worlds of finance, law, marketing, insurance, and logistics, to name a few. The course will cover the roles of galleries and auction houses, art finance and art advisers, as well as pricing and unique business models in this opaque industry. You will learn how the art world behaves and what effect it has on the wider business world, including applying lessons from operating in a highly emotional and disruptive sector. At the end of the programme, candidates will have a better understanding of the international art world and how art is valued and value created in this dynamic industry.

The programme will take place in the intimate setting of the Royal Academy's Academicians' Room. The Academicians' Room is a private members club which forms part of the esteemed Royal Academy of Arts, in Burlington Gardens, Piccadilly, London W1S.

Course structure

Four evenings over four weeks: one-hour delivery plus a 30-minute interactive session, followed by drinks and nibbles. Topics covered in each session detailed below:

Wednesday 17 May - Art and Finance

• Art as an investment
• Art financing /Funds
• Art world bubbles vs financial bubbles

Wednesday 24 May - Art World Business Models

• Innovation business models
• What no regulation means for trade
• Commission sharing structures

Wednesday 31 May - Understanding the Art World

• Functioning in Chaos
• Agility, pragmatism, decision making
• How do you value art?

 Course tutors

The course is taught by Martina Batovic, Course Director of Art Business MA at Kingston University and Founder and CEO of Artisan Art Intelligence, a bespoke consultancy catering to the collecting needs of UHNWI across the international art market. Martina is an art world professional with 20 years of experience at the high end of the art world, having worked across auction, gallery, and art advisory.

What to bring

If you wish to take notes, please bring a laptop or notepad.