The art dealer’s profession seems attractive to many. What do you imagine when thinking about dealers? It’s probably a glamorous world of gallery openings and international fairs where multi-million-dollar sales take place. Yet, the art dealer business is a complex and demanding craft that you should know in-depth to succeed. Here is a discussion of how to become an art dealer and whether you need a formal academic degree to enter the industry.
Formal education that can help you become an art dealer
So, suppose you decide to start with formal education and join the art dealer world via the academic route. In that case, you may focus on the following degrees: Art History, Museum Studies, Fine Arts, or Art Business and Management. It is also easy to enter the art market with a reputable degree in Business or Marketing, which can be adjusted to the intricacies of the art industry.
Why seek academic education in art? First, you’re sure to get a comprehensive foundational knowledge of the industry, such as art movements, history, and trends. Second, you can meet many practitioners from the industry and engage in valuable networking. Third, a formal degree from a widely recognized institution, such as Sotheby’s Institute of Art or NYU, adds credibility and authority in the highly competitive market, giving you a strategic advantage over people without such reputable credentials.
Non-academic paths to becoming an art dealer
While formal education is recommended, it is still not a must for people wishing to become an art dealer. There is always an alternative route of learning by doing. You can gain valuable practice, experience, and knowledge by means of:
- working in a gallery or auction house in some assistive role;
- applying for an internship at an art dealer firm;
- starting out as an artist’s sales representative or independent art consultant;
- launching an online art platform or blog about art;
- attending art events and conducting active networking.
Self-taught art dealers are also in demand in the art market, as they can offer real-world experience and entrepreneurial insights instead of academic formalities detached from market reality. Besides, you can save tons of money on avoiding tuition and dedicating several years to full-time studies.
As you can see, an academic degree is not a bulletproof entry ticket to an art dealership. In some cases, passion for art and persistence become a winning combination that will carve you a unique niche in the art market.