Online: The Art of Art Collecting

Do you love contemporary art? Have you thought about starting a collection but aren’t sure where to begin? The art world can sometimes feel mysterious—even overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. This four-part lecture series is designed to make art collecting accessible, exciting, and confidence-building. You’ll gain the knowledge and tools to navigate the art ecosystem in a meaningful way.

Across the course, we’ll explore:

• Why people collect art and what motivates collectors
• Key considerations before starting your own collection
• How the art market operates—locally and globally
• Insights into the Australian and international art scenes, from emerging spaces to established galleries and major art fairs

Each session begins with a themed lecture by an invited expert from the primary and secondary markets, followed by an open discussion with Nick Vickers, who has extensive experience in gallery and collection management. Guest presenters from leading commercial galleries, auction houses and corporate collections offer behind-the-scenes insights into galleries, exhibitions, artists and collectors.

Additional topics include an introduction to the secondary market is an important access point for collectors, and its role and operation will be explored through an in-depth Q&A with an industry professional. The course also includes a segment on establishing a collection register, covering the essential information needed to document and manage artworks for asset registration, accessioning and potential deaccessioning.

Whether you're already involved in the arts or simply passionate about contemporary art, this course will help you better understand the world of art collecting and may inspire you to begin building a collection of your own. While this course does not provide investment advice, it aims to give participants the insight and practical tools to confidently explore their interest in collecting fine art.

* NAS Short Courses are open to students of ages 16 years and over. The NAS Art Club is open to students between 15 - 17 years of age.

Student Home-Studio Requirements
Computer, laptop or tablet
Reliable internet connection
Access to Zoom or the nominated online platform
Note-taking materials (optional)

This course is delivered online via Zoom and consists of a series of live lectures, presentations and discussions led by Nick Vickers and invited guest speakers.

Participants will have opportunities to ask questions and engage in discussion throughout each session.

Students will be provided with a Zoom link prior to the commencement of the course. Please ensure you use the link provided to access the online sessions.

Nick Vickers has worked in the Australian creative arts industries for over 30 years and has championed the works of emerging artists by establishing several galleries through universities and art colleges, including his first gallery at the University of NSW Art & Design in 1984. He has presented, curated and hosted national and international artists and has lectured in tertiary, intermediary and secondary institutions.

Nick contributed to the curatorial expanse of the University of Sydney Art Collection where, through his expertise as Curator of the University Union art collection, he added works of some considerable cultural significance. He established the Sir Hermann Black Gallery & Sculpture Terrace through which he hosted and curated ten years of highly rated art exhibitions and prizes that included The Blake Prize and The Freedman Foundation annual exhibitions. He has also acted as Curator to the Activate UTS art collection.

On a local government level Nick has served on curatorial panels with the Sawmillers Sculpture Prize at North Sydney, The City of Ryde Council as Curator of SWAP. Most recently he initiated Artists4Ukraine and Prints4Ukraine, 2 separate fundraising exhibitions that support displaced children from the Russian/Ukraine conflict. Over 100 of Australia’s leading artists donated works and raised over $75,500 for this worthy cause.

Nick is an independent art curator and lecturer at Meadowbank TAFE. In 2024 he curated a major exhibition Beyond the Brush in NSW Parliament House, Sydney. He has also co-curated exhibitions at The Armory at Sydney Olympic Park.