Careers in the Art & Luxury World

Overview

Considering a career in the arts and luxury sector? Want to know what roles exist in an auction house?

This summer, get up close and personal and hear stories of managers, jewellery specialists, gallerists and more, on how they forged their own career paths. Experience the art & luxury world this summer through our weekly themed programmes, from contemporary art to selling luxury, the auction business and the Classics: Chinese Paintings and Works of Art.  

Through lectures, sharings, visits and workshops, we will give participants a clearer view of the career paths and choices for those interested in the arts and luxury sector.  Organised around four main themes, study begins with pre-reading material sent on Monday, and teaching from Tuesday to Friday. Students will also be given opportunities to meet industry professionals, visit galleries and institutions, and handle objects. Upon completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion, access to Christie’s Education guided CV workshops, and opportunities for guided tours during Christie’s Hong Kong Auction previews.  

Suitable for graduating high school students and up, with full time students eligible for 50% off.  

Each participant will receive a Christie’s Education tote, notebook and pen, together with a copy of “All Access Art: Christie’s Education Guide to Museums and Galleries in Asia”. 

Our goal is to connect you with the art & luxury world and to assist you in your passion and career journey.  

We look forward to seeing you in-person in Hong Kong or online!  

Learning Objectives

Through our themed programmes, you will: 

• Understand the many varied and different career paths in the art and luxury industry
• Meet industry professionals and gain insight into the “day in the life” of specialists, gallerists, business roles
• Receive expert guidance and advice on how to prepare yourself to enter the art and luxury industry
• Experience what it’s like to work in the industry through handling sessions and visits
• Equip yourself with knowledge in different art categories and the current market environment

Any Questions?

Click here to send us an email if you have a question regarding the course

Programme Rundown

*Full time students eligible for 50% off course fee

Weekly Themes

• THE AUCTION BUSINESS       
  English 12-15 July
  Mandarin 2-5 August
• ALL ABOUT CONTEMPORARY ART
  English 19-22 July
• THE CLASSICS: CHINESE PAINTINGS AND WORKS OF ART
  Mandarin 26-29 July
• THE WORLD OF LUXURY
  English 9-12 August

Or customise your own career programme with Christie’s Education.

• 2-Day Programme | Tuesday & Wednesday
Careers in the Auction World | English 12-13 July Mandarin 2-3 August
Careers in Contemporary Art English 19-20 July
Careers in Chinese Art Mandarin 26-27 July
Careers in the Luxury Business English 9-10 August

• 1-Day Programme | Thursday
How to Be An Auctioneer | English 14 July Mandarin 4 August
Introduction to Contemporary Art English 21 July
Decoding Masterpieces: Chinese Art Mandarin 28 July
Introduction to Curating English 11 August

• Lectures | Friday PM
Insider’s View of the Global Art Market | English 15 July Mandarin 5 August
In Focus: Female Contemporary Artists English 22 July
A Collector's Journey: Robert Chang Mandarin 29 July
Selling Luxury – Jewellery, Handbags, Watches and Wines English 12 August

Programme Details

THEME: THE AUCTION BUSINESS
English 12-15 July
Mandarin 2-5 August

Careers in the Auction World
English | 12 & 13 July, Tuesday & Wednesday
Mandarin | 2 & 3 August, Tuesday & Wednesday

• Welcome & Introduction
• History and Development of Christie's
• Roles in an Auction House
• Day in the Life of an Art Specialist
• Conversation with Head of Operations
• In Face of Clients: Discussion with Client Advisory
• Case Study: Front of House with Client Services
• The Auction Challenge 

How to Be An Auctioneer
English | 14 July, Thursday
Mandarin | 4 August, Thursday

• Welcome and Introduction
• Buying and Selling at Christie's Auction
• Auction Licensing in Different Countries
• Day in the Life of an Auctioneer
• Case Study: Selling Strategies & Psychology of Masterpieces 

Insider’s View of the Global Art Market
English | 15 July, Friday | 4:30-6:00pm HKT
Mandarin | 5 August, Friday | 2:30-4:00pm HKT

• Lecture

THEME: ALL ABOUT CONTEMPORARY ART
English 19-22 July

Careers in Contemporary Art
English | 19 & 20 July, Tuesday & Wednesday

• Welcome & Introduction
• The Contemporary Art World Ecosystem
• In Conversation with : Contemporary Art Specialist
• The Contemporary Art Market in Asia
• Day in the Life of a Gallerist
• Opening a Gallery: Conversation  
• The Digital World: Art + Tech
• External Visit 

Introduction to Contemporary Art
English | 21 July, Thursday

• Welcome and Introduction
• What is Contemporary?
• Movements in Contemporary Art
• Chinese Contemporary Art
• Japanese & Korean Contemporary Art 

In Focus: Female Contemporary Artists
English | 22 July, Friday | 4:30-6:00pm HKT

• Lecture

THEME: THE CLASSICS: CHINESE PAINTINGS AND WORKS OF ART
Mandarin 26-29 July

Careers in Chinese Art
Mandarin | 26 & 27 July, Tuesday & Wednesday

• Welcome & Introduction
• Chinese Art Auction Categories
• In Conversation with: Chinese Paintings Specialist
• Handling Session of Chinese Works of Art
• Determinants of Value in Chinese Art
• Appraisal and Valuation Exercise
• External Visit 

Decoding Masterpieces: Chinese Art
Mandarin | 28 July, Thursday

• Welcome and Introduction
• Top 10 Chinese Modern Painting Masters
• Brushwork, Composition, Rhythm and Spirit
• Top 10 Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art
• Imperial Taste, Kilns, and  Masterpieces from Museums 

A Collector’s Journey: Robert Chang
Mandarin | 29 July, Friday | 2:30-4:00pm HKT

• Lecture
  
  

THEME: THE WORLD OF LUXURY
English 9-12 August

Careers in the Luxury Business
English | 9 & 10 August, Tuesday & Wednesday

• Welcome & Introduction
• Masterpieces and Auction Records 
• Behind the Curtain: Top Jewellery and Watch Brands
• Developing a Career in Jewellery 
• Appraising Jewellery Pieces
• Developing a Career in Handbags
• Developing a Market and Appraising Luxury Handbags 

• Marketing Luxury at Christie’s

• The Role of Strategic Partnerships

• Developing Fine Wine into a Career

• Developing a Career in Watches

• Determinants of Value and Appraising Watches

• Real Estate in the Luxury Business

• The Auction Challenge

Introduction to Curating
English | 11 August, Thursday

• Welcome and Introduction
• Introduction to Curating
• Case Studies in Curating
• Curating Christie’s Marquee Week Auction
• Creating “The House of Luxury”
• Visiting Villepin: “The Loss of Human Face” Tour
• Curatorial Case Studies at Villepin
  
   

Selling Luxury – Jewellery, Handbags, Watches and Wines
English | 12 August, Friday | 4:30-6:00pm HKT

• Lecture
  
  

*Schedule and topics are subject to change.

Auction Business

The Auction Business
English | 12-15 July
Mandarin | 2-5 August

With year-on-year auction sales more than doubling to $5.9 billion across major auction houses in the first half of 2021, this demand-driven art market saw almost all categories of art collectibles from masterpieces to NFT's outperform expectations. The first half of 2022 also saw continued demand for emerging artists and fresh works, with a huge surge of millennial collectors together with seasoned collectors driving the market to new heights. Demand in the luxury sector also saw sales of fine wine, vintage watches and jewellery achieve white glove sales and top previous auction records.  

Beginning with a 2-day programme Careers in the Auction World, participants will be introduced to the many roles that make up an auction house, understand the interrelationship between department and roles. From finance, law, marketing, to client advisory, client strategy and education, see how all these departments and roles come together to put on expertly curated auctions throughout the year.

In How to Be An Auctioneer, participants will learn about auction dynamics, bidder psychology, auction license requirements around the world, and take part in a mock auction.

The week wraps up with a lecture on Insider's View of the Global Art Market.


Upon completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion, access to Christie’s Education guided CV workshops, and opportunities for guided tours during Christie’s Hong Kong Auction previews. 

Suitable for graduating high school students and up, with full time students eligible for 50% off. Each participant will receive a Christie’s Education tote, notebook and pen, together with a copy of “All Access Art: Christie’s Education Guide to Museums and Galleries in Asia”.

We look forward to seeing you at The Auction Business in-person in Hong Kong or online! 

• Welcome & Introduction
• History and Development of Christie's
• Roles in an Auction House
• Day in the Life of an Art Specialist
• Conversation with Head of Operations
• In Face of Clients: Discussion with Client Advisory
• Case Study: Front of House with Client Services
• The Auction Challenge

How to Be An Auctioneer
English | 14 July, Thursday
Mandarin | 4 August, Thursday
10:30am - 5:30pm HKT

• Welcome and Introduction
• Buying and Selling at Christie's Auction
• Auction Licensing in Different Countries
• Day in the Life of an Auctioneer
• Case Study: Selling Strategies & Psychology of Masterpieces

Insider’s View of the Global Art Market
English | 15 July, Friday | 4:30-6:00pm
Mandarin | 5 August, Friday | 2:30-4:00pm

• Lecture

Contemporary Art

All About Contemporary Art
English | 19-22 July

Beginning with a 2-day programme Careers in Contemporary Art, participants will be introduced to the many roles that make up the contemporary art world ecosystem and key dates in the global contemporary art market. Through lectures, conversations and visits, participants will gain insight in the roles and responsibilities of auction specialists, art galleries and curators, and understand the interrelationship between the primary and secondary market. Participants will also examine the impact of social media and digitalization on the production, circulation, and consumption of contemporary artwork. The programme will conclude with a visit to a contemporary art gallery.  

In Introduction to Contemporary Art, participants will learn about the development of contemporary art, its many categories, key artists, as well as current trends and themes.  

The week wraps up with a lecture on In Focus: Female Contemporary Artists.

Upon completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion, access to Christie’s Education guided CV workshops, and opportunities for guided tours during Christie’s Hong Kong Auction previews.    

Suitable for graduating high school students and up, with full time students eligible for 50% off. Each participant will receive a Christie’s Education tote, notebook and pen, together with a copy of “All Access Art: Christie’s Education Guide to Museums and Galleries in Asia”.   

We look forward to seeing you at All About Contemporary Art in-person in Hong Kong or online! 

Careers in Contemporary Art
English | 19 & 20 July, Tuesday & Wednesday
10:30am - 5:30pm HKT

• Welcome & Introduction
• The Contemporary Art World Ecosystem
• In Conversation with : Contemporary Art Specialist
• The Contemporary Art Market in Asia
• Day in the Life of a Gallerist
• Opening a Gallery: Conversation  
• The Digital World: Art + Tech
• External Visit

Introduction to Contemporary Art
English | 21 July, Thursday
10:30am - 5:30pm HKT

• Welcome and Introduction
• What is Contemporary?
• Movements in Contemporary Art
• Chinese Contemporary Art
• Japanese & Korean Contemporary Art

In Focus: Female Contemporary Artists
English | 22 July, Friday | 4:30-6:00pm

• Lecture

*Schedule and topics are subject to change.

Chinese Art

 Jointly presented with The Robert Chang Art Education Charitable Foundation  

The Classics: Chinese Paintings and Works of Art
Mandarin |  26-29 July  

Beginning with a 2-day programme Careers in Chinese Art, participants will be introduced to the many roles that make up the Chinese art world ecosystem, from curators to restorers, auction specialists and dealers. Through lectures, conversations and visits, participants will gain insight in the roles and responsibilities of auction specialists, art galleries and curators, and understand the interrelationship between the primary and secondary market. The programme will conclude with a handling session of Chinese paintings and Works of art at Christie’s Hong Kong.  

In Decoding Masterpieces: Chinese Art, participants will learn about key pieces of Chinese Paintings and Works of Art at museums and in private hands, its determinants of value that make them masterpieces.  

The week wraps up with a lecture on A Collector's Journey: Robert Chang. 

Upon completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion, access to Christie’s Education guided CV workshops, and opportunities for guided tours during Christie’s Hong Kong Auction previews.    

Suitable for graduating high school students and up, with full time students eligible for 50% off. Each participant will receive a Christie’s Education tote, notebook and pen, together with a copy of “All Access Art: Christie’s Education Guide to Museums and Galleries in Asia”.   

We look forward to seeing you at The Classics: Chinese Paintings and Works of Art in-person in Hong Kong or online! 

Careers in Chinese Art
Mandarin  | 26 & 27 July, Tuesday & Wednesday
10:30am - 5:30pm HKT

• Welcome & Introduction
• Chinese Art Auction Categories
• In Conversation with: Chinese Paintings Specialist
• Handling Session of Chinese Works of Art
• Determinants of Value in Chinese Art
• Appraisal and Valuation Exercise
• External Visit

Decoding Masterpieces: Chinese Art
Mandarin | 28 July, Thursday
10:30am - 5:30pm HKT

• Welcome and Introduction
• Top 10 Chinese Modern Painting Masters
• Brushwork, Composition, Rhythm and Spirit
• Top 10 Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art
• Imperial Taste, Kilns, and  Masterpieces from Museums

A Collector’s Journey: Robert Chang
Mandarin | 29 July, Friday | 2:30-4:00pm

• Lecture

*Schedule and topics are subject to change.

Luxury

The World of Luxury
English | 9-12 August

Beginning with a 2-day programme Careers in the Luxury Business, participants will be introduced to roles in high jewellery, watches, fine wines, handbags and real estate. With a focus on an the overall luxury market, participants will learn about the main luxury brands that dominate the primary market, it’s synergies with the secondary market, hallmarks of masterpieces and the unique vintage market. Seasoned specialists and dealers will share firsthand knowledge of the market, insights into collectors tastes, and the longevity of well-provenanced pieces. The programme will conclude with a handling session of jewellery and watches.

In Introduction to Curating, we will go through the processes of curating a luxury exhibition, from idea to set up, wall colour to showcases. In the afternoon, we will visit an institution in Hong Kong to better understand different curating and presentation styles.  

The week wraps up with a lecture on Selling Luxury – Watches, Wines, Jewellery & Handbags. 

Upon completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion, access to Christie’s Education guided CV workshops, and opportunities for guided tours during Christie’s Hong Kong Auction previews.    

Suitable for graduating high school students and up, with full time students eligible for 50% off. Each participant will receive a Christie’s Education tote, notebook and pen, together with a copy of “All Access Art: Christie’s Education Guide to Museums and Galleries in Asia”.   

We look forward to seeing you at The World of Luxury in-person in Hong Kong or online! 

Careers in the Luxury Business
English | 9 & 10 August, Tuesday & Wednesday

• Welcome & Introduction
• Masterpieces and Auction Records 
• Behind the Curtain: Top Jewellery and Watch Brands
• Developing a Career in Jewellery 
• Appraising Jewellery Pieces
• Developing a Career in Handbags
• Developing a Market and Appraising Luxury Handbags 

• Marketing Luxury at Christie’s

• The Role of Strategic Partnerships

• Developing Fine Wine into a Career

• Developing a Career in Watches

• Determinants of Value and Appraising Watches

• Real Estate in the Luxury Business

• The Auction Challenge

Introduction to Curating
English | 11 August, Thursday

• Welcome and Introduction
• Introduction to Curating
• Case Studies in Curating
• Curating Christie’s Marquee Week Auction
• Creating “The House of Luxury”
• Visiting Villepin: “The Loss of Human Face” Tour
• Curatorial Case Studies at Villepin

Selling Luxury – Jewellery, Handbags, Watches and Wines
English | 12 August, Friday | 4:30-6:00pm

• Lecture

Speakers

Sara Mao
Director
Christie’s Education Asia Pacific

Sara Mao is the Director for Christie’s Education in Asia Pacific, overseeing the development of programmes and partnerships across Hong Kong, China, and South East Asia. Sara joined Christie’s in 2008 and was appointed Specialist Head of Sale for Chinese Modern Paintings in 2015, and then as Director for Christie’s Education in 2018.

Sara has curated over ten seasons of auctions for some of the most iconic paintings in the field of Chinese paintings, nurturing client relationships with seasoned collectors and new buyers, and leading the growth of the category through securing consignments globally for auction and private sales. She was responsible for spearheading record-breaking sales of Fu Baoshi’s The Song of the Pipa Player for HKD204.8 million, and Zhang Daqian’s Ancient Temples Amidst Clouds for HKD102.4 million, in 2017.

Bringing her specialist experience to education, she currently leads programmes in Asian Art, Art Business and Luxury Connoisseurship, with a focus on Women Artists and Art & Tech. She was the curator for Christie’s Art + Tech Summit “Mixed Realities” in 2019, and co-convenor for Christie’s Education’s first online academic conference “The Chinese Art Market”, in 2020. 

Sara is also an auctioneer for Christie’s, supporting numerous charity auctions including Save the Children, Ronald McDonald House, Make a Wish Foundation, The National Kidney Foundation (SNG), and others.

After receiving her B.A. in Philosophy & English Literature at the University of York (UK), Sara acquired her Graduate Diploma in Law from BPP Law School (UK) and a Master of Letters in History of Art and Connoisseurship, with a concentration in Chinese art, from Christie’s Education and the University of Glasgow.

Yi Gao
Programme Lead
Christie’s Education Asia Pacific

As Programme Lead of Christie’s Education Asia Pacific, Yi is responsible for developing course curricula and programme content, as well as supporting teaching, studying and recruitment. Prior to joining Christie’s, she completed her M.A. in Art, Law and Business, awarded jointly by Christie’s Education London and University of Glasgow College of Arts. 

Yi is a qualified attorney licensed to practice in New York and practiced corporate and capital markets law at the global law firm of Kirkland & Ellis. She holds a B.A. in Law from Beijing Foreign Studies University and L.L.M. from New York University School of Law. Yi has studied and worked in Beijing, Hong Kong, New York, Washington D.C. and London, and is fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Liang-Lin Chen

Senior Specialist Head of Sale
Christie’s Hong Kong

Jerry Chang
Associate Specialist
Christie’s Hong Kong