Knowledge of art history is essential for working in the art market. With this in mind, the IESA art history school offers curricula that include courses in ancient and contemporary art history for students wishing to enter the world of art trade.

Which fields do the programs offered by the art history school target?

Art history is a component of the art trade. The latter brings together various sub-fields such as:

  • Art history, techniques, and artistic movements (ancient art, contemporary art);
  • Appraisal of works of art;
  • Art law;
  • Showcasing objects and works of art (exhibitions, auctions, etc.);
  • Logistics related to the art trade, whether nationally or worldwide.

Each of these sub-fields gives rise to different activities that require specific skills. In addition, the growing appeal of the art trade is partly driven by the current dynamism of the global art market.

IESA, the Leading School for Studying Art History

IESA, the international school of cultural professions and the art market located at 1, Cité Griset, Paris 75011, offers programs for students who wish to work in the art trade sector. The studies include various disciplines, notably those relating to art history.

All programs are concerned, whether Bac+3 type programs or Bac+5 type programs.

3-Year Art History Programs (Bac+3)

IESA offers a three-year, bachelor’s-level (Bac+3) program: the Bachelor in Art Expertise and Trade. This program aims to give students the skills needed to:

  • Appraising works of art;
  • Promoting and communicating about works and their sales;
  • Take charge of organizing the exhibitions and events designed to showcase these works of art;
  • Organizing sales of artworks while handling the legal aspect.

The program is open to learners holding a high school diploma (bac).

Admission procedures consist of registering by sending the application file and taking an admission interview.

At the end of the program, the learner earns the title of Artwork and Art Object Marketing Officer, a degree registered at level 6 of the RNCP.

Bac+5 art history programs

Students holding a Bachelor or a bac+3 or bachelor’s-level art program can continue their studies by joining one of the 3 Art Market Masters: Master Ancient & Modern Art, Master Contemporary Art, Master Exhibition Curation. Here are some of the skills targeted by these programs:

  • Appraisal of artworks;
  • Financial and administrative management around the trade of ancient or modern artworks;
  • Promotion and trading of artworks;
  • Organization of exhibitions;
  • Mastery of all aspects of communication and event management relating to artworks;
  • Understanding of the economic, legal and financial aspects of the art trade.

Admission has two steps: submission of the complete application file, and an admission interview with the program director.

Professional Programs

Students who have completed Bac+4 level studies can also continue their education by choosing the Professional Master in Art Market.

This program is also open to candidates with significant professional experience in the field of art. This curriculum leads to a Bac+5 level degree with a level 7 title registered with the RNCP: Arts and Cultural Projects Administrator.

Specialized Programs

IESA also offers an MBA or Master of Business Administration program: the MBA Arts & Collecting Management.

This program awards the following degree: Arts and Cultural Projects Administrator, a level 7 title registered with the RNCP.

To join, learners must hold a validated Bac+4 with 240 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) as well as an English level certified by 6.0 IELTS points (International English Language Testing System). At the end of this program, students will have acquired the following skills:

  • Understanding how the art market is organized and its economic aspect;
  • Appraisal of artworks;
  • Administrative, financial, and legal management of a collection of artworks, whether public or private;
  • Organizing an exhibition;
  • Developing and showcasing a collection of artworks.

IESA admission requirements

Registration goes through 4 steps:

  1. Apply via the application form or the online application;
  2. An admission interview: conducted through an individual interview or an admission session;
  3. An admissions committee deliberates to admit the student or not;
  4. An enrollment file to be submitted once the student is admitted.

Upon receipt of the application file, the admissions department contacts the candidate for an admission session or an individual appointment.

IESA’s 3-year Bachelors are intended for students holding a Baccalauréat. Students holding a validated Bac+1 or Bac+2 can join the program in the 2nd or 3rd year through lateral admission procedures.

The 2-year Masters are intended for those with a Bachelor or bachelor’s degree. It is possible to join these programs directly in the 2nd year if you hold a Bac+4.

Careers Open to Art History Graduates

Art history degrees open the door to various careers that vary depending on the level of study. Here are a few.

For students who have earned a Bachelor:

For students holding a Master:

For students who have earned an MBA Arts & Collecting Management:

For graduates of a Professional Master in Art Market: