The Business of the Visual Arts

Are you an artist, a curator or simply interested in working in visual arts?

City, University of London’s Business of the Visual Arts short course provides an understanding of the day-to-day management of an artist studio or a commercial gallery.

By learning how to manage an art gallery, you’ll also gain essential knowledge to unpack complex subjects, in relation to the art market, business planning, marketing and copyright.

The visual arts course is delivered over 10 weekly evening classes. It will be led by professional art and gallery consultant - with experience curating major projects at the British Museum and the Tate Art Gallery.

Your classroom learning will be combined with a visit to an alternative gallery space and an artist’s studio to develop your knowledge in real-world situations.

Who is it for?

Our Business of the Visual Arts evening course is designed for artists who would like to upskill, new or potential gallery owners and individuals interested in working in the visual arts and gallery context.

Timetable

This Business of the Visual Arts course takes place every Tuesday at 18.30 for 10 weeks.

City Short Courses follow the academic year, delivering courses over three terms. These include:

• Autumn - October
• Spring - January
• Summer - April

Benefits

• Taught part-time across 10-weekly evening sessions – ideal for working professionals
• Accessible, online classes with digital learning materials
• Led by an experienced curator, with experience working for the British Museum, the Tate Art Gallery and Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The Business of the Visual Arts course explores art market mechanisms and business planning. Topics include:

• Key players of the art market
• Contracts and agreements
• Copyright
• Professional presentation
• Invitation, press releases, newsletters
• Marketing, social media and branding
• Gallery system & art fairs
• Pricing structure.

Informal assessment will take place through group discussion, classroom activities and questions and answers sessions, as guided by your tutor.

Your course leader will invite you to present an art related project. These presentations take place during the last session of the Business of the Visual Arts course, where fellow peers and your tutor will provide feedback.

You will be awarded an official City, University of London certificate if you attend above 70 percent of the classes, however, our short courses are not formally accredited.

We do not ask for any formal qualifications to enrol on the Business of the Visual Arts short courses. You should have a strong interest and enthusiasm for the visual arts world.

English requirements

You will need a good level of spoken and written English to enrol on this course.