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More than 60% of art insurance claims stem from damage during transportation—making proper logistics essential for protecting artworks*. This course will give you the skills to confidently manage art transport, ensuring artworks arrive safely and in accordance with regulations. We will explore essential topics such as legal frameworks, packing strategies, and customs requirements to facilitate smooth and compliant shipments across locations.

Through case studies and hands-on exercises, you’ll gain a practical understanding of the shipping process—from initial pickup to final placement. By the end of the course, you will be able to effectively manage artwork transport, ensuring its safety and adherence to international standards at every stage of its journey.

You will learn how to:

  • Navigate export and import procedures, including customs regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Prepare documentation for art insurance and claims processing.
  • Determine responsibility for shipping costs using Incoterms (International Commercial Terms).
  • Mitigate risks and safeguard artwork in transit.

This course is ideal for curators, gallery managers, artists, project coordinators, and anyone involved in transporting and caring for artworks. No prior experience is necessary.


*Data from:  https://www.burnsandwilcox.com/60-percent-of-art-damage-claims-arise-from-transport/

Video conferences every Monday, from 1pm to 3pm Berlin time CET. Recordings will be available in case you miss a live session!

Session 1. Introduction

  • Introduction to the program and course overview.

This is a welcome session. The lecturers will introduce the program and participants will introduce themselves. No prior preparation is necessary.


Session 2. International Regulations for Art Logistics & Contracts

  • Overview of international standards for artwork handling and transportation
  • Legal compliance for cross-border shipments
  • Working with Contracts


Session 3. Risk Management & Insurance

  • Materials and methods for ensuring artwork safety during transit
  • Modes of transportation (air, sea, land) and their suitability for artworks
  • Types of insurance coverage for artworks


Session 4. Documentation for Art Logistics & Export and Import Procedures

  • Preparing customs forms, invoices, and certificates of origin
  • Customs clearance processes for art shipments
  • Regulations for temporary exports (e.g., art fairs and exhibitions)


Session 5. Understanding Incoterms

  • Explanation of Incoterms (International commercial terms) and their application in art shipping
  • Selecting the right Incoterm for various logistics scenarios

Language
Classes are held in English.

Format & Modality
The course is fully online and taught live via Zoom in small, interactive groups to support active learning. Live captioning is available during the sessions.

Schedule
Live sessions take place every (Day) from (Time) (Berlin time, CEST).

Attendance
Live attendance is encouraged to get the most out of the course, but recordings are available if you cannot attend a session.

Course Materials
All course materials—including recordings, readings, and presentations—are available on the Node platform for as long as you wish.

Assignments
Optional assignments are included, with personal feedback from the lecturers to help you apply what you learn. Please note that feedback is provided only during the course dates.

Certificate
A downloadable certificate is available upon course completion.

Technical Requirements
A stable internet connection, a computer with a camera and microphone, and access to Zoom are required.

Questions?
Check our FAQ or contact us via our online form.



Ana Llorente Torres

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