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Short course

Art Investment in the Middle East Short Course

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<p>Art Investment in the Middle East Short Course | On campus</p><p>Image: Detailed Islamic art with vibrant patterns and Arabic script on a ceiling | Pexels<br><br>https://www.pexels.com/photo/intricate-islamic-ceiling-decoration-art-38499853/</p>
Explore the world of art investment in the Middle East, from the history of Middle East and Gulf art to contemporary movements and the ecosystem of art.
Next start months
February 2027
June 2027
Tutor(s)
Ghadah Alharthi
Price
From £580.00

Course description

Course overview

Taught through a combination of inspiring lectures and guest talks, this course will move from the history of Middle East and Gulf art to examine the ecosystem of art, innovation in artistic practice, the space of digital and immersive art forms and the shifting dynamics of value and collecting in the region.

During the course, students gain insight into key players shaping today’s art market, including artists, galleries, institutions, auction houses and digital platforms.

Students also examine emerging artists alongside key trends and the market intelligence shaping the contemporary art landscape.

Who this course is for

This course is designed for creatives, managers, entrepreneurs and cultural professionals working across the creative industries who are interested in contemporary art and its evolving ecosystems, with a particular focus on the Middle Eastern and Gulf art scenes.

The course is relevant for those looking to start or advance a career in contemporary art, as well as for those engaging with the art market as collectors, advisers, artists, institutional leaders, or strategic decisionmakers seeking to future-proof their engagement with the sector.

Level of experience: suitable for those new to the art world, as well as those with some experience, but looking to expand into the Middle East.

Key information

Topics covered

  • Key modern and contemporary artists and movements from the Middle East and the Gulf
  • The regional art ecosystem: institutions, collectors, patrons, and policy actors
  • Art markets, collecting and investment
  • Networks, art fairs, biennales and festivals in the region
  • Innovation, digital art, AI and the future of art in the Middle East
Learning outcomes

  • Recognise key modern and contemporary movements and artists shaping the region
  • Understand the Middle Eastern and Gulf art ecosystem and its key players
  • Gain insight into institutional, corporate, and private collections
  • Identify emerging artists and key market trends
  • Understand the role of digital art, AI and innovation in the art world
  • Anticipate future shifts shaping the art landscape in the Middle East
  • Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials

  • Notebook and pen (recommended)

Tutor

Ghadah Alharthi

Dr Ghadah W. Alharthi is an international cultural adviser and Associate Professor in Culture and Innovation at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. Working across Europe and the Middle East, she specialises in cultural ecosystems and creative economy development, advising governments, museums, biennales, foundations and arts institutions on strategy, policy, collection development and international partnerships.

Alongside her advisory work, she lectures and supervises research on cultural diplomacy, intercultural dialogue, Arab art history and social innovation. She has also developed courses in Middle Eastern art history for arts institutions and auction houses. Her approach combines academic research with professional experience, helping students explore Middle Eastern art and culture within their wider social and cultural contexts.

Dr Ghadah is a Victoria and Albert Museum Ambassador, a member of the Frieze Connect Committee and co-founder of Arab Art Dialogue, a platform for discussion and exchange around Arab art. She is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) in the UK.

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