Cultural establishments like museums, galleries, theaters and concert halls give us unforgettable experiences. They are often the cultural lifeblood of a nation, and a source of pride for communities around the world. They preserve history for generations to come and can foster new talent and innovation. This important work involves talented artists, curators and production teams, but it also requires skilled administrators.
Arts administrators are the backbone of these establishments. It's the art administrator’s job to balance business management with the institution’s cultural objectives. They are instrumental in maintaining financial stability while preserving the organization's all-important artistic integrity.
If you have a passion for the arts and an aptitude for business, a career in arts administration may be perfect for you.
What Does an Arts Administrator Do?
Arts administrators take charge of the operational aspects of arts organizations, handling a wide range of responsibilities. These include:
- Financial management: Overseeing budgets, spearheading fundraising efforts, applying for grants, and generating financial reports
- Strategic planning: Collaborating with the organization's leadership to set long-term objectives and high-level strategies
- Marketing and promotion: Crafting marketing strategies and campaigns to showcase the organization's programming and broader initiatives
- Program development: Planning and supervising the organization's programming, encompassing events, exhibitions, and performances
- Human resources: Managing the organization's workforce, including recruitment, training, and professional development
Skills Needed to Become an Arts Administrator
In your role as an arts administrator, it is crucial to have a diverse skill set. To start a career in an art museum or gallery, knowledge of art history and the art industry is of course advantageous, but you’ll need more skills besides this.
It's vital to have some understanding of accounting, finance, and management principles. This helps maintain the financial well-being and strategic growth of your organization.
Possessing creativity will enable you to devise innovative programs that engage your organization's audiences and elevates its standing.
Communication skills are indispensable for effective interactions with artists, staff, donors, and other stakeholders.
Moreover, it's important to be an adept leader, even at entry-level. Strong leadership skills will help you inspire and motivate staff and volunteers. Any organization's objectives are easily reached with a motivated team.
Equally essential are robust problem-solving skills to tackle unforeseen challenges that may emerge in day-to-day operations.
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How to Begin Your Career in Arts Management
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in arts management, there are several key steps you can take to get started.
1. Begin by considering a degree in arts management, arts administration, or a related discipline.
This is the sure-fire way to acquire the necessary business acumen and expertise.
According to Zippia, a job search website, 68% of arts administrators have a bachelor's degree and 15% have a master's degree. Getting a degree will not only assist you in developing the necessary expertise for your desired role, but it will also help you stand out as a candidate once you begin applying for positions.
Many institutions offer art business degrees and certificates, such as Sotheby's Institute of Art, which provides online and in-person professional courses alongside their master's programs.
2. Gain hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work with arts organizations.
This can be invaluable when applying for competitive job placements in the field. “Hiring managers will want you to share examples of when you have been responsible for working on arts projects and demonstrating the necessary skills of an arts administrator,” says Ruth Millington, Head of Careers at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. “For example, have you worked on the administration of an event? Have you helped to organize an exhibition? How can you prove that you have good attention to detail?"
3. Become a member of professional associations and expand your professional network.
Joining professional associations like the American Alliance of Museums or the Arts Administrators of Color Network can help you connect with peers in the industry and stay informed about job opportunities. Many professional associations also host conferences where you can gain insider knowledge and make valuable connections.
4. Lastly, and most importantly, it’s a good idea to find a mentor within the arts management community.
This step is crucial — a good mentor can help with skill development, provide valuable advice, and guide you as you take your first steps toward a rewarding career. Seek and reach out to potential mentors — many professionals in the arts industry would gladly help you on your way.
Successful arts administrators combine their passion for art with business acumen to help cultural organizations find stability and success. They also work to meet their organization’s creative and financial goals, ensuring that these institutions are able to contribute to and reinforce their local culture far into the future. This unique career path not only offers personal fulfillment but also the valuable opportunity to make a lasting impact in your community and in the wider world.
Explore our Short Courses, offered online and in-person, and our Master’s Programs in London, New York and online.