The Art of Art Collecting

Do you enjoy contemporary art? Curious about starting your own art collection but not sure how to go about it?

Whether you are a newcomer to the arts or a seasoned afficionado, the art world can be a daunting place. This series of four lectures explores all aspects of collecting art, from why people collect art, what you should know before starting a meaningful art collection and understanding the art market, with examples and case studies drawn from the international and Australian art scenes, primary and secondary market sales and art fairs.

Sebastian Goldspink begins each session with a thematic lecture, followed by class discussions, and guest speakers from some of Sydney’s leading commercial gallery directors and some actual art collectors. They introduce you to the fascinating ecosystem of galleries, exhibitions, artists and art collecting.

Sebastian Goldspink is a Sydney-based independent curator. In 2011, he created the artist run space, ALASKA Projects as a platform for exhibiting contemporary art in unused or disused spaces.

Since its inception, ALASKA has showcased over 500 artists across 150 exhibitions. A proud descendant of the Burramattagal people of Western Sydney, Goldspink has curated exhibitions nationally throughout Australia and internationally in London, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Christchurch. In 2022 he curated the Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art for the Art Gallery of Australia entitled Free/State. The Biennial bought together a multi-generational group of 25 Australian artists. Goldspink has held professional appointments at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Art Month Sydney, National Art School and Dlux Media Arts.

He has consulted and collaborated with institutions including Museum of Old and New Art, Performance Space, Sydney Symphony, HOTA Gold Coast, Art Bank and Kaldor Public Art Projects. In 2013/14 he was appointed Guest Curator of the John Fries Memorial Prize. He writes regularly for publications including Art Link, Art Collector, Art Monthly, Russh and Artist Profile.

He is a frequent speaker and interviewer with a wide focus of contemporary practice. He has worked with numerous luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Paul Smith and Valentino with a focus on creating impactful and engaging art experiences. In 2021 he opened the Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf for Woollahra Council. He served as the Gallery's inaugural Director. A former Lecturer at the University of New South Wales (CoFA), Goldspink is currently engaged as Senior Manager Art & Placemaking Western Sydney Airport.

Notetaking devices - notebook or laptop