Short course
Introduction to art and cultural heritage law and ethics
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Location:
Online or Rewley House 1 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JA
Dates and time:
27/11/2026 - 27/11/202610:00 - 17:00
Study format:
Short intensive
Fees:
£350.00
This course will introduce participants to the broad variety of legal and ethical issues arising for those working in the art world (whether commercially or in public institutions). Participants will gain an understanding of how the law intersects with art and culture, exploring how artworks are traded, moved around the world, protected, and sometimes misappropriated and embroiled in criminal activity.
After examining the regulatory environment for objects of art and culture, participants will explore key issues in art law, including how title to works of art can be gained and lost.
Law and ethics in the museum context will be examined, as we consider best practice guidelines for key areas of museum operations. One of the most significant issues facing museums today is how to respond to claims for the restitution of works from their collections. This topic will be explored, with reference to well-known cases of relevance.
The course will focus principally on the law of England and Wales but will also cover international best practice, and is suitable for all those engaged in, or with an interest in the art market or museum sector.
It will be taught by leading professionals in the field from the Institute of Art and Law, an internationally recognised source of knowledge on art and cultural heritage law. Participation is available online and in-person.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
10am: Introduction to the course
This class will introduce students to the concept of art law, highlighting well-known cases. It will also provide a roadmap for the day ahead, explaining that the course aims to provide a high level snapshot of how the art world intersects with law and ethical practice.
10:30am: Regulating the art world
This class will provide an overview of the regulatory environment for the arts and cultural heritage sector, explaining how the State exerts control and provides protection. This is through laws relating to: crime; imports and exports; taxation; planning and the historic environment.
11:30am: Short break
11:45am: Art and ownership
Legal questions frequently arise about the title to works of art. This class will examine the law of title: how it is gained and lost and how disputes might arise. The focus will be on the law of England and Wales but given the mobility of objects of art and culture, we will analyse what happens when works move through different jurisdictions.
1:15pm: Lunch
2:15pm: Law and ethics for museums: governance, collections, funding
Whilst museums are bound by the laws discussed during the morning’s classes, they must also adhere to high standards of ethical conduct. This class will provide an overview of the ethical issues which arise for museums and how they might best respond.
3:45pm: Short break
4pm: Restitution
A key issue facing museums today is that of restitution. How do they respond to calls for the return of objects in their collections to the communities, nations or individuals who claim them? This class will explore these issues, illustrating the complexities by reference to well known cases.
5pm: Close
Course aims
- To introduce those working, or with an interest in the arts and cultural heritage sectors to the laws and ethical standards relevant to their work.
- To provide an understanding of the legal and ethical risk areas for arts and heritage professionals, enabling them to identify requirements for more in-depth knowledge.
- To provide practical tips for addressing legal and ethical issues arising for arts practitioners.
These aims will be achieved by combining lecture-based tuition with practical, interactive exercises and guided discussions, inviting students to apply the principles being explored.
Learning outcomes
The course will equip participants with a broad overview of the legal and ethical landscape for the arts and cultural heritage sectors, enabling them to identify the relevant issues for their role or profession. It will provide awareness of the ‘hot topics’ currently facing the art world. In some cases, it may result in a re-evaluation of areas of practice and an identification of areas for further study or training.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Tuition (in-person) | £350.00 |
| Tuition (online) | £350.00 |
| Hot Lunch | £22.40 |