Arts administrators organize and promote artistic performances and exhibitions, aiding and facilitating the work of artists. The type of work that an arts administrator carries out will differ greatly between organizations depending on the size and service provided.
Types of Art Administrators
- education;
- front of house administration;
- programming;
- sponsorship.
Employers of Art Administrators
- Government-funded arts bodies
- Local authorities
- Charities
- Theaters
- Galleries, museums and arts centres
- Festival/venue offices
- Universities
Duties
- planning and organizing logistics related to events, buildings, performers or artists and other personnel;
- using skills in arts-related law, accountancy, press liaison and public relations;
- working to secure funding for venues or specific events;
- writing or contributing to publications which accompany events and activities;
- arranging performances, artists, venues, security, catering and sale of tickets;
- marketing a performance or event through social media, direct mail, advertising, websites, posters or publicity leaflets and attracting media coverage;
- planning and managing budgets;
- programming and booking performances and events, including arrangements for tours;
- development of new projects and initiatives in consultation with arts professionals and key stakeholders;
- taking responsibility for operational and office management issues such as venue accessibility, health and safety issues and building maintenance;
- selecting and training staff;
- implementing and maintaining office and information systems;
- providing administration support to managers and directors;
- ensuring corporate and legal requirements are complied with, and reporting to the board of directors.
Qualifications
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, certain subjects may prove to be an advantage for some jobs. The following are particularly relevant, either at degree, diploma or certificate level:
- arts administration options in other arts-related courses;
- art history;
- arts management;
- business-related studies, e.g. finance, logistics, marketing, human resources;
- English and literary studies;
- events and entertainment management;
- performing arts;
- visual arts and design.
Skills
- numeracy
- knowledge of, and an interest in, the arts
- negotiating contracts
- knowledge of political and economic issues affecting the arts sector
- managing budgets
- working well under pressure
- promoting and publicizing events
- IT skills