MBA Contemporary Art: Sales, Display & Collecting

This 12-month program focuses on the analysis of contemporary art work and the understanding of evolving demands of the art market in a global context. The techniques of management, communication, marketing and the knowledge of law and regulations contribute in providing the expertise required when working in the field of contemporary art.

Based in the heart of Paris, on the premises of IESA Art & Culture, students are within easy access to all the major Parisian museums, auction houses and contemporary art galleries. Class visits to the most prominent contemporary art museums, galleries, and auction houses are organized to allow students to dialogue with curators, art historians, and gallerists.

Study trips to art centers in France are organized during each semester to allow students to network with seasoned professionals in the art sector.

The program consists of 3 trimesters: 2 trimesters of classwork (Oct-Dec/ Jan-March) and a trimester dedicated to internships (April-June) allowing students to gain professional experience (Jan-March). During the last two trimesters, students will work on a personal project to be presented in front of a professional jury in order to validate the certificate.

Each trimester contains 200 contact hours over a 10-week period. Courses are taught in English.

Students are attributed a mentor for personalized coaching and will follow group methodology sessions to guide them in the research and development of their personal project.

1st trimester:

• History of the Contemporary Art in Europe and United States
• Economics of the Contemporary Art Market
• Art Law
• Art and Project Management
• Communication and the Marketing
• Research
• Development and Management of Artistic projects (content, business plan, legal structure, communication, marketing)
• Visits and workshops with professionals

2nd trimester:

• Current and Future Art Markets
• History of Contemporary Art Outside of Europe
• E-communication and E-marketing of Art and Luxury Products
• Negotiating Sales of Art Objects
• Promoting Artistic Projects
• Brand, Artists
• Contemporary Art and Luxury Products
• Exhibition planning
• Visits and Workshops with professionals
• Methodology
• Mentoring sessions

3rd trimester:

Full-time internship and methodology sessions, sessions with mentor to follow up on personal projects.

Students have gone on to work in many different fields such as:

Gallerist, Art Dealer, Art Advisor, Curator, Art Critic 

This program aims to develop professional skills for the arts sector. Interest in business and thorough knowledge of art history are essential prerequisites.

• Candidates must have obtained a 4 year undergraduate degree
• One year work experience or post graduate study is necessary for students who completed an undergraduate degree in three years
• English: IELTS 6.0 minimum (or equivalent)
• No minimum level of French

To apply:     

Download application form OR CONTACT us

Students will be requested to send the necessary documents later on in the admission process (like the application form filled and signed, copy of highest degree completed, copy of passport, short resume...)

In addition, Candidates are required to pass an interview, the interviews are conducted in English by telephone or Skype.

Candidates will receive the Admission board’s decision by post and by email. Upon admission, each candidate receives an acceptance letter.