To become an art business developer, it is recommended to study at a school that offers programs in art market careers. IESA, a leading school in this field, offers post-high-school Bachelor and Master programs.

Let’s take stock!

What Is an Art Business Developer? The Profession Explained

The art business developer is a professional working in the art market. They contribute to the commercial strategy of an organization specialized in the art trade.

Their mission will be to increase revenue and the client portfolio. To do so, they develop suitable strategies and solutions, often in collaboration with the communication and marketing teams.

Art business developer

What skills are required of an art business developer?

To practice their profession, the art business developer must possess a number of skills:

  • Be an excellent negotiator;
  • Have a sense of creativity and communication;
  • Train regularly in Art and Art History;
  • Take an interest in business development.

What are the missions of an art business developer?

The art business developer practices their profession mainly in the field of the art trade. This may be the ancient and modern art market as well as contemporary art.

Their missions are varied:

  • Search for potential clients;
  • Maintaining and following up on established client relationships;
  • Keeping up with news from the cultural and artistic world;
  • Follow art market trends;
  • Preparation of financial activity reports.

Programs to Become an Art Business Developer

A student who wants to become an art business developer must follow an art trade program, spread over 2 levels.

The post-baccalauréat program to become an Art Business Developer

The first level is a 3-year program leading to the Bachelor Expertise and Art Trade degree. It is a degree registered as an RNCP title at level 6 (National Directory of Professional Certifications), which means the degree is suited to the job market and recognized by the State.

To enter the program, learners must hold a baccalauréat or have completed the 1st or 2nd year of the Bachelor Art Market.

The admission process includes registration with submission of the admission file and an interview.

The Master Program at IESA

Once students have earned their Bachelor Expertise and Art Trade, they must continue their studies with a 2-year program leading to the Master Marketing and Distribution of Artworks.

The admission process is similar to that of the Bachelor.

The Professional Master Art Market Program

Students can also join a program leading to a Professional Master Art Market, a degree registered as an RNCP title at level 7. To enter it, they must have earned a Bachelor followed by a first year of Master.

Related Professions of an Art Business Developer

The Master Expert in Art Sales and Distribution and the Professional Master in Art Market provide access to the art business developer profession. However, these programs can also lead to other careers, such as:

What is the salary of an Art Business Developer?

In terms of pay, the salary of an art business developer is generally made up of:

  • a fixed portion - ranging from €30k for juniors to more than €40k for more experienced profiles;
  • and a variable portion indexed to the revenue generated.

What career advancement is there for an Art Business Developer?

In terms of moving up to higher positions in the commercial sphere, the business developer can aim for a larger organization or a sales director position to gain more responsibility.

The sales director has the following responsibilities: recruiting sales representatives and business developers, setting the sales strategy, overseeing calls for tender and customer satisfaction.