Deadline for scholarship applications: 15th May 2014
IESA (the Institut d’Etudes Superieures des Arts, Paris) runs two highly regarded MA programmes on the art market, one on the structures, practice and business of the contemporary art market and the other on the history of collecting and the development of the art market from the Renaissance to the early twentieth century. Both two-year courses, validated by the University of Warwick and run in association with prestigious institutions such as White Cube, the Wallace Collection and the Sir John Soane’s Museum, are taught in English and take place in Paris (one semester) and London (three semesters).
Designed for students with a strong interest in working in the art world, these programmes offer a firm grounding in the practice and theory of art markets as well as an understanding of patterns of collecting. Each MA takes students to different capitals of the European art world such as Berlin, Venice, Basel, Brussels and Florence for an international first-hand study and experience of art in museums, institutions, galleries and at art fairs.
Nowadays it is necessary not only to be attuned with the latest categories and techniques of the art world, but to be ahead of them. With its outstanding core team of teachers and the expertise of international professionals, IESA has created programmes that form knowledgeable, multi-faceted and modern professionals. All our courses are both academic and practical: this means that IESA forms student that are not only aware of theory, but are also proficient in practice, fundamental for the success, today, but above all tomorrow.
All MA students are required to do an internship during the summer. IESA staff and partners such as the art recruitment agency Sophie Macpherson Ltd will help our students and alumni to find internships and jobs.
History and Business of Art and Collecting course outline:
Semester one, Paris (September to January, first year)
– The History of Collecting from the Renaissance to c.1750
– Methodology and structure of the art market in Paris; principles of finance, marketing and law
– Practices of Conservation and the Art Market in Italy
Semester two, London (February to July, first year)
– Collecting and the Rise of the Art Market in Paris and London c.1750–1915
– Structure and Practices of the Art Market in London
– Marketing, sponsorship, client relationships, creating an international dealership
– Study trips in Florence, Brussels, Maastricht
Summer: compulsory part-time or full-time internship
Semester three, London (September to January, second year)
– The Economic, Social and Cultural Background of the Art Market
– Specialist seminars on collecting in the 17th or 19th century
Semester four, London (February to July, first year)
– Writing dissertation, workshops and tutorials
History and Business of the Contemporary Art Market course outline
Semester one, Paris (September to January, first year)
– History and Structures of the Contemporary Art Market
– Theory and Practice of the Contemporary Art Market
– The Historical Development of the Contemporary Art Market c.1900–1980
– Cultural Economics and Aesthetics of the French Art Market
– Business Practices: Law, Conservation and Finance
Semester two, London (February to July, first year)
– The International Art Market
– Theories of the Art Market
– The structures and players in the art market today
– Business Practices: Finance & Marketing
– Study trips in Berlin, Cologne, Liverpool and Basel
Summer: compulsory part-time or full-time internship
Semester three, London (September to January, second year)
– Emerging art markets
– Contemporary Art and Urban Regeneration
Semester four, London (February to July, first year)
– Writing dissertation, workshops and tutorials
Scholarships will provide 50% off the tuition fees granted on criteria of academic or professional excellence.
Eligibility criteria and documents needed
– A cover letter outlining reasons for applying for the scholarship, for the MA and how the MA can advance your professional objectives
– Proof of academic excellence: transcripts showing grades received and two academic letters of reference commenting on performance and commitment during previous studies. (For professionals who have left education for more than 5 years, professional letters of reference will be accepted)
– Please note that all applicants for the scholarships should meet and exceed the standard eligibility criteria for the MA’s as outlined here
Selection process
– Deadline: 15th May
– Selection: the academic committee will review applications and will get back to the applicants no later than May 25th, inviting the short-listed candidates to have an interview with the Academic Director of the programme. Non-successful candidates will receive a document with funding possibilities.
– The final decision will be reached no later than June 15th and successful applicants will be notified via email. They will receive an official letter stating the terms and conditions under which the scholarship will be received
