About the Culture& x Sotheby’s Institute of Art Cultural Leaders Programme
Applications for the next cohort will open February 2027
Are you looking for a career in the art world?
In 2023, Culture& and Sotheby’s Institute of Art launched a new fully funded scholarship programme, designed to empower and nurture the next generation of diverse leaders in the contemporary art world. The Culture& x Sotheby’s Institute of Art Cultural Leaders Programme – the first of its kind in the contemporary UK art world – brings together the considerable experience and cultural networks of the two organisations.
Sotheby’s Institute of Art has committed to a 100% fee waiver for three scholarships a year over a three-year period (nine students in total) to enable the scholars to pursue one of the Institute’s prestigious one-year, full-time Master’s programmes:
In addition, each scholar receives a £25,000 bursary to cover the cost of living in London so that those selected for the programme can fully focus on the educational experience and benefit from all this opportunity has to offer. These bursaries are funded through philanthropic donations.
Further details about the MA courses can be found on the Sotheby’s Institute of Art website.
Sotheby’s Institute of Art-London – Master’s Open Day
November 21, 2026 10:15 AM – 2:00 PM GMT
Location:
Sotheby’s Institute of Art
30 Bedford Square
London
WC1B 3EE
Highlights of the Day
- Meet SIA Faculty & Admissions Team – Learn about the application process and scholarships offered in London.
- Mini Lectures & Workshops – Sample the academic experience with dynamic taster lectures.
- Networking & Lunch – Connect with fellow art lovers and future professionals.
- Student & Alumni Panel and Careers Session – Hear firsthand experiences from the vibrant SIA community and explore how the Institute supports professional development through industry connections, part-time internships, and work placements.
- Special Feature: Faculty-Led Tour to Sotheby’s – RSVP today to secure your spot and take the first step toward a transformative education in art.
Supporting the Cultural Leaders Programme
We are looking for further bursary support for the cohort and beyond. We are seeking like-minded individuals, foundations and companies who share our vision for creating change in the art world and believe in the necessity of this initiative to help enable the selected Scholars to make the most of the programme.
If you are interested in supporting the Cultural Leaders Programme and would like to receive our supporters’ brochure or have a further conversation, please contact Joanna Mills-Foy at Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
j.mills-foy@sothebysinstitute.com
Thanks
We are grateful to the following Founding Supporters who have generously contributed to the Cultural Leaders Programme:
- Law Family Charitable Foundation
- Sotheby’s
- Alain and Vanessa Defise
- Bimpe Nkontchou
- Kymberlie Andrew
Image: Credit Kat Forsyth
