#United States #New York #Sotheby's Institute #Natasha Degen #Luxury Business

Sotheby’s Institute Welcomes Natasha Degen

Sotheby’s Institute of Art is excited to announce the appointment of Natasha Degen as the new Director of its New York campus, effective January 2026. As a distinguished scholar with significant experience in the global art market, Degen is set to bring innovative leadership during a pivotal period for the Institute.

Degen has an impressive academic background, currently serving as the department chair of the Art Market Studies Master’s program at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She holds a degree from Princeton University and a PhD from the University of Cambridge, where she was recognized as a Gates Scholar. Her focus on the historical trajectory of the art market and its merging areas of culture and commerce is particularly noteworthy. In addition to her scholarly work, which includes books like The Market and Merchants of Style: Art and Fashion After Warhol, Degen has contributed to major publications including The New York Times and The Financial Times.

Having previously taught at Sotheby’s Institute, Degen is already familiar with the institution's mission and challenges. She has previously developed Master’s courses on art market globalization and organized field study trips to notable art fairs such as Art Basel Miami Beach and TEFAF.

A Strategic Transition

The appointment comes as the Institute undergoes a significant transformation, coinciding with the upcoming launch of new Master’s programs in Luxury Business. This follows the success of similar offerings in the London campus, reflecting Sotheby’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities in response to burgeoning demand within the luxury sector.

The new Master’s degrees are designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for success in luxury business management, combining traditional academic coursework with immersive experiential learning opportunities.

New Programs in Luxury Business

The MA in Luxury Business will be offered both on-campus and online, commencing in Fall 2026. The on-campus program includes 30 credits over two semesters with a thesis or capstone project, while the fully online program provides flexibility to complete 36 credits over a duration of three to five semesters. Both programs integrate insights into the financial and strategic components of luxury business management while examining the industry’s evolution culturally and historically.

Key features of the programs include:

• - A Global Field Study component which enables immersive travel to major industry events.
• - Access to career services and hands-on initiatives, including internships and work placements, ensuring students gain valuable industry experience during their studies.

These programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and sanctioned by the New York State Education Department.

Growing Enrollment Trends

Sotheby’s Institute has experienced a surge in applications and enrollment, further validating its reputation as a leader in graduate education focusing on the art and luxury markets. For instance, enrollment in the MA in Art Business program saw a remarkable increase of 19% year-over-year, demonstrating the strong interest among prospective students.

As part of this growth, continuing education offerings also observed a significant rise in enrollment, reflective of a cultural shift towards professionalizing careers in art and luxury. This commitment to innovation assures that Sotheby’s Institute remains at the forefront of educational trends in these dynamic sectors.

Campus Enhancements

Recently completed renovations at the New York campus not only facilitate these new academic offerings but also improve the overall student experience, enhancing Sotheby’s position as a preeminent institution in art and luxury business education.

In conclusion, the addition of Natasha Degen as New York Director and the rollout of new Master’s programs in Luxury Business signal a new chapter for Sotheby’s Institute of Art. As the Institute continues to respond to the growing demand for art and luxury education, it positions itself to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders adept at navigating the complexities of these intertwined fields.