The art market is experiencing renewed dynamism and many students are considering working in art trade as an art dealer. What is the mission of an art dealer? What training is needed to enter this profession? Here are more details on how to become an Art Dealer:

What is an art dealer and what does this profession involve?

An art dealer, or art broker, is a person whose activity consists of buying and selling objects and works of art. They may practice their profession as an individual and work independently, or represent a company. They may also act as an intermediary between the seller and the buyer to put them in touch.

The art dealer profession

What Are the Responsibilities of an Art Dealer?

The art dealer’s mission is to:

  • Searching the market for valuable works or objects that may interest their buyer clients;
  • Negotiating the best price for their clients;
  • Advising their professional or even private clients and proposing works likely to interest them, with a view to building a private collection;
  • Handling the preparation and signing of contracts relating to exhibitions (museums, art galleries, international and national fairs, etc.) and to auctions.

The art dealer can work for other art trade professionals such as gallery owners and antiques dealers. To this end, they can choose to specialize as an ancient art or modern / contemporary art broker, and work as a freelancer.

What Skills Are Required for the Art Broker Profession?

Working as an art broker or art dealer requires a number of qualities. This professional is constantly in contact with clients, sellers and event organizers. Here are the skills of an art broker:

  • Listen to your clients;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills;
  • Understand, know and anticipate your clients' needs;
  • Be a skilled negotiator;
  • Show perseverance;
  • Show rigor and be honest;
  • Have a thorough knowledge of the art market as well as art history;
  • Know the current trends in the trade of art objects and artworks;
  • Respect the confidentiality requirements of the profession;
  • Be able to build and maintain a network of suppliers and clients.

What Are the Fields of Practice of an Art Dealer?

The career of art dealer can be practiced in different fields focused on the art trade:

  • Appraisal and trade of ancient art;
  • Contemporary art trade;
  • Events themed around artworks and art objects (exhibitions, auctions, etc.).

Depending on the targeted field, the art dealer must take appropriate training that provides the basics and skills required to practice the profession.

How to Become an Art Dealer?

You need to pursue higher education at a specialized institution to enter the art dealer profession. Students with a baccalaureate can begin a Bachelor-type program (Bac+3 degree). Those who already hold a Bac+3 degree can continue their studies with a Master program (Bac+5). These are the two programs offered by IESA (the international school for careers in culture and the art market).

Programs for Becoming an Art Dealer

Post-baccalaureate programs of the Bachelor type, Bac+3

The Bachelor in Art Market is intended for baccalaureate holders, but the program is also open through lateral admission into the 2nd and 3rd year for learners who have already completed 1 year or 2 years of study after their Bac. In addition, learners can opt for work-study from the 2nd year.

This program awards the title of Artwork and Art Object Sales Manager, a level 6 title registered with the RNCP (national directory of professional certifications).

Master-level studies, Bac+5

The Master in Ancient and Modern Art and the Master in Contemporary Art are open with a bac+3 type degree. Students who earned the Bachelor in Art Expertise and Trade are first in line to join one of these programs. They award the level 7 title of Artistic and Cultural Project Administrator, registered with the RNCP.

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.

What Is the Salary of an Art Dealer?

An art broker is generally paid on commission. Their income depends on the price of the artworks or art objects. The more expensive the works, the larger their commission.

As a general rule, the sales commission of a broker is between 10 and 20% of the value of the object or artwork. (Source: CIDJ.com – Career profile: Art Broker – Accessed 05/22/2025)