IESA, The Institut d’Etudes Supérieures des Arts, was created in 1985 in Paris as a vocational, dynamic and student-centred alternative to the more rigid and theoretical system in French universities. IESA UK renewed this philosophy in London in 2004, offering cutting edge programmes that revolutionised the way the art market is taught, combining for the first time the study of history with the practice of business.
Created by Jean-Marie and Françoise Schmitt, IESA had its courses recognised in France by the Ministry of Culture and Communications in 1991. Since the early days the Institute has always been involved in the training and education of art experts and cultural professionals and managers and offers now three major areas of study to students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels—the Art Market, Cultural Events Management and Multimedia. It now boasts over 14,000 alumni working in all aspects of the art world.
IESA UK offers modern and independent programmes in a small and boutique environment. Our standards, underlined by the quality of our partners, the value of our faculty and, more importantly, by the success of our students in the job market, are set to the top.
Working in the arts requires a thorough knowledge of the arts, but to succeed in the world is necessary a solid understanding of the practice and business of the art market. This is why IESA MAs are the only MAs on the Art Market in the world to include the study of both history of art and business practice, making them the right choice for the students who want to be knowledgeable and ahead of their peers.