The Curator Academy course at Sotheby's Institute of Art equips students with the skills needed to shape and deliver contemporary curatorial projects.

The Curator Academy programme is a project-based course that focuses on current developments in art curation, examining expanded definitions of curating and the evolving local, global and digital landscapes for curatorial work and activity today.

Designed for emerging curators, art historians and creative thinkers, this course explores how curating has expanded beyond the walls of museums to encompass independent, digital and hybrid contexts in the post-2020 world.

Through a blend of lectures, workshops and hands-on projects, students will gain the conceptual insight and entrepreneurial skills needed to plan, develop and deliver a curatorial project from start to finish.

Students will examine the multiple identities of the curator – auteur, facilitator, mediator and project manager – while engaging directly with London's vibrant art scene and the global network of Sotheby's Institute.

With exclusive access to the Institute's networks, specialists and industry events, students will experience unparalleled professional immersion and build lasting connections that bridge the classroom and the global art world.

School: Sotheby's Institute of Art
Course: Curator Academy
Type: Undergraduate
Location: London, UK
Course dates: 15 June to 10 July 2026 and 13 July to 7 August 2026
Application deadline: 12 July 2026

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

– Research
– Exhibition design
– Writing curatorial texts
– Commissioning artworks
– Applying digital tools used by curators worldwide

What are the requirements?

– All applicants must be at least 18 years old by the beginning of the programme
– Currently enrolled in, or considering enrolling in, an undergraduate university programme
– A minimum 2.5 GPA or equivalent
– An unofficial copy of most current university transcript
– A short personal statement detailing interest in the programme
– Non-native English speakers: a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL score of 85 IBT, CEFR score of B2 or a Duolingo score of 120

What facilities and resources are available?

– Hands-on workshops and site visits, which includes a day trip to Oxford, UK
– Industry feedback and career advice
– Housing accommodation is available for students in central London participating in the Summer Programme (for an additional accommodation fee). Details of this can be found on the course website

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

By the end of the course, students will emerge with a professional curatorial toolkit, a deeper understanding of the art ecosystem and the confidence to navigate and shape the future of curating.

Who teaches this course?

– Amy Mechowski, course leader

Dezeen Courses

Dezeen Courses is a service from Dezeen that provides details of architecture, interiors and design courses around the world. Click here for more information.