Art brokers are a vital bridge between those who create or own art and those who want to buy it. These art intermediaries negotiate deals in the art market and keep the art market going. Large checks and the glamorous world of high-end art seem attractive to many. However, not every broker is doomed to success in this industry, as clients prefer knowledgeable, polite, and competent experts with intuition and strong business acumen.

How to become such a professional? Here are several important dimensions of rising the career ladder in this industry.

What Education Is Beneficial for Art Brokers?

First of all, you should know that it’s not mandatory to have a degree to enter the art brokerage industry. You may take the first steps in the profession even with a certificate of finalizing an online course or a non-related degree, such as Business or Marketing.

Yet, it is highly desirable to gain vital background knowledge in art history, core art movements, and the guiding principles of the present-day art market. This is mainly possible through a master’s degree in Art Business or a general degree in the Arts.

Vital Steps for Gaining Industry Experience

Regardless of the educational degree you get, you will still need practical experience to become an expert. You may seek internships at local galleries, museums, and auction houses, which will give you a vital glimpse of the practicalities of the art brokerage profession. Practice will also hone your troubleshooting skills and equip you with a practical understanding of exhibition curation and art deal negotiation.

Developing a Specialization

As you accumulate experience and become a great expert, you may narrow down the focus and scope of your activities for target audiences. Specialization also enables you to develop deeper expertise in specific art movements and artists, thus rendering services at a higher level. Some brokers specialize in Old Masters; others prefer modern and contemporary art. It also makes sense to take a closer look at the emerging voices in the art market, which may become a highly profitable niche.

As you can see, art brokers have to be proactive in the accumulation of their knowledge and skills if they target new heights in their profession. Follow these tips and enrich your theoretical base and business acumen. These efforts are sure to pay off in the form of more orders and greater revenue.