Collecting Contemporary Art Course

Whitechapel Gallery, 1 October – 19 October 2013 The Whitechapel

Gallery’s Collecting Contemporary Art Course provides art enthusiasts with an essential guide to collecting contemporary art, including high-profile talks, trips to artist studios and a behind-the-scenes tour of a world-famous auction house. In a series of bespoke weekend and evening sessions, participants will have the opportunity to meet leading collectors, artists and gallerists and learn direct from the experts how to navigate the art market with confidence.

The course begins with an introduction to the history of contemporary art covering everything from Pop Art and Arte Povera to Postmodernism and the Young British Artists. This is followed by trips to the studios of established and emerging contemporary artists based in east London, guided tours of some of London’s best commercial galleries, and a special visit to an auction house.  In an evening at the home of a prominent collector, guests can view and discuss an established private art collection.

The course concludes with a curator-led tour of an international art fair, where theory can be put into practice. Participants receive a Collecting Contemporary Art Course handbook specially produced by the Gallery and a copy of Owning Art: The Contemporary Art Collectors Handbook by Louisa Buck and Judith Greer. The Collecting Contemporary Art Course includes:

From Warhol to Whiteread Wednesday 2 October, 7pm
Whitechapel Gallery Chief Curator Magnus af Petersens offers an indispensable guide to art from the 1960s to the present.  Beginning with Pop Art the session moves through Minimalism, Conceptual Art, Performance Art to Arte Povera, Land Art, Postmodernism and Young British Artists. Drinks reception included.

Exploring the East End: Meet the Makers Saturday 5 October, 10.30am–5pm
The Whitechapel Gallery is at the heart of Europe’s largest cultural quarter.  This is a chance to visit the studios of some of today’s most exciting contemporary artists who work in east London. Studios visited in previous years of the course include Charles Avery, David Batchelor, Alice Channer and Bob and Roberta Smith. Transport and lunch are included.

At Home with Contemporary Art: Meet the Collectors Tuesday 8 October, 7pm An exclusive opportunity to visit the home of a contemporary art collector, followed by a panel discussion and drinks reception with other collectors. Discuss what drives and shapes a collection, and what it’s like to live with works of art in your home. Drinks reception included.

Behind the Gallery Walls: Meet the Dealers Saturday 12 October, 10.30am-5pm
East London is famous for the numerous commercial galleries located in the area. This guided tour will feature a range of contemporary spaces, from the well known to the hidden, and provide an insight into the role of a gallerist. Transport and lunch included.

Under the Hammer Sunday 13 October, 11am-1pm
An opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at a renowned auction house to learn what is it really like to buy and sell art at auction.

Whitechapel Gallery Exhibitions Preview Thursday 17 October, Evening, 7-9pm Participants are invited to bring a guest to the private view for the Whitechapel Gallery’s major presentation of British artist

Sarah Lucas. Frieze Art Fair Saturday 19 October, 11am-1pm
Frieze Art Fair features more than 150 galleries from around the world, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to see and buy art by the world’s leading artists. The course ends with a curator-led tour of some of the highlights of the Fair.

Notes for Editors
– The Collecting Contemporary Art course is £695, including a year-long membership of the Whitechapel Gallery. Course fee includes:
– All talks and events
– Drinks reception at Warhol to Whiteread and Meet the Collectors – Lunch during Where to Buy and Meet the Makers 
– Entry and curator-led tour for Frieze Art Fair – Collecting Contemporary Art Course handbook – A copy of Owning Art: The Contemporary Art Collectors Handbook by Louisa Buck and Judith Greer

Visitor and Booking Information
To Book: T +44 (0)20 7522 7888 E collecting@whitechapelgallery.org Whitechapel Gallery, 77 – 82 Whitechapel High Street, London E1 7QX. Nearest London Underground Station: Aldgate East, Liverpool Street, Tower Gateway DLR info@whitechapelgallery.org whitechapelgallery.org