Arts Administrator
What is the work like?
Arts administrators plan and organise cultural and arts activities. They work in organisations such as local authorities, arts centres, theatres and regional arts boards.
As an arts administrator your work would vary according to the size and type of organisation, but could include:
- arranging venues and artists
- working with local arts organisations
- negotiating sponsorship and funding
- organising publicity and ticket sales
- organising security and catering
- managing budgets and keeping records
- general administration.
In small galleries and arts centres you could be involved in the whole day-to-day running of the centre. In larger organisations such as arts boards you may specialise in one area, for example marketing, public relations or education.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
There are no set qualifications for becoming an arts administrator – the real key to the career is relevant experience, which you could get through volunteering or temporary work. You can gain experience in a number of ways, including:
- helping with student or community drama productions or concerts
- getting involved with community events such as street carnivals
- working in front of house or box office in arts centres, cinemas or theatres
- taking temporary work, for example with arts festivals.
Visit the Arts Council website for details of local arts organisations which may have opportunities for volunteering or temporary work. You can also get information from arts officers in your local authority and from Voluntary Arts.
Volunteering will also give you the opportunity to make useful contacts, and is a way of showing future employers that you are enthusiastic and committed to the arts.
You would need general administration skills, and you may find it useful to have qualifications or experience in areas such as word processing, book-keeping, public relations and marketing. You may be able to start as an assistant or secretary in an arts organisation and work your way up.
Many arts administrators are graduates, so a degree could be an advantage, although not essential. Relevant subjects include arts management, arts administration options in other arts-related degrees, events and entertainment management, and business studies, but relevant experience is more important than having a degree. Some postgraduate courses include work placements in arts organisations, and can be useful for developing contacts.
What further training and development can I do?
When you have a job in arts administration you can develop your skills by attending short courses. These are run by organisations such as the Arts Marketing Association and the Independent Theatre Council.
You could also work towards qualifications such as:
- NVQs in Cultural Heritage Operations (Level 3), Cultural Heritage (Level 4) and Cultural Heritage Management (Level 5)
- the exams of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA)
- part-time postgraduate qualifications in arts administration or arts management.
You would need to continue to develop your skills and knowledge, for example in areas such as human resources, accountancy, arts-related law and marketing.
Where can I go for more information?
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
London
W1B 1AH
Tel: 020 7580 4741
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Salaries can start at around £15,000 a year.
- Experienced staff can earn up to £27,000.
- Senior staff can earn up to £50,000.
Salaries may be related to local government administrator scales.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working hours would vary depending on the particular job. For example, you may work evenings or weekends if you are involved in performances, festivals or exhibitions.
You may spend most of your time in an office or travel to attend events and performances, or to meet with artists and arts organisations.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an interest in the arts in general, or a particular art form
- administrative and computer skills
- good written and spoken communication skills
- the ability to organise and prioritise work
- problem solving skills
- good time-management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and keep calm under pressure
- the ability to work both alone and as part of a team
- commercial awareness
- the ability to make information accessible to a wide range of people.
What opportunities are there?
You could be employed by a wide range of organisations, including:
- museums and galleries
- arts centres
- theatres and performing arts organisations
- arts festivals
- disability arts organisations
- local authorities
- arts councils and regional arts boards.
Competition for jobs is strong and many jobs are not advertised, so making contacts and gaining experience on a temporary or voluntary basis is important. Many organisations have volunteers working alongside paid workers, and some are run entirely by volunteers.
With experience you could become an arts officer or manager, do freelance work or become a consultant for organisations developing arts policies.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):
The Stage
Mailout
The Guardian
artsjobsonline
Arts Hub
British Council Arts Group
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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