Fortunately, arts administrator jobs give you a way to work in the arts and accomplish your dreams without giving up stability or monetary reward. There are media jobs, non-profit jobs, and many other options for people who love the arts and have an administrative bent and who do not want to spend their lives trying to get published or get that gallery showing. Music administration jobs, for instance, let you work with the medium you have always loved while still allowing you to be financially successful and to have some job security.
People in arts administrator jobs lead arts organizations, providing a much-needed bridge between the artists, their art, and their audiences. They combine a number of business tools like accounting, negotiation skills, marketing, management abilities, and knowledge of operations with community-building skills. Arts administrators reach out to the community, educate people about the arts, and help develop the opportunities that artists and audiences both need. The result: an increased number of spaces where arts and culture can grow and thrive.
The majority of arts administration jobs are in organizations formed for the public as non-profit organizations. A portion of these organizations' total income comes from gate fees and ticket sales. However, another, often larger, portion comes from donations and other contributions. These sources allow culture and arts groups to create many different cultural experiences in their area, whether they are located in small towns or big cities.
Usually an arts organization will be dedicated to fostering many different venues and media types as well. You may work with jazz groups or symphony orchestras, sculptors, painters, museum staff, community arts centers, and theaters. Lately, online ventures have become extremely common as well.
People interested in careers in arts administration usually require appropriate training from arts administration programs. However, there is a wide range of credentials available in this field. Students may receive anything from a certificate to a bachelor's or master's degree in the field. Usually this kind of program is a blend of elements from existing programs like public or business administration and management along with some arts elements.
In some cases, the arts administration program is offered as a specialty of another administrative program. A practicum (either paid or volunteer) is a common requirement for this kind of program since students are expected to be able to gain some practical experience. Usually the practicum will be completed at an organization similar to the one the student will eventually be working in.
People in arts administration jobs may also wish to join professional organizations such as the Association of Arts Administration Educators and others. This kind of membership organization helps with networking and may assist these professionals in finding the positions they need. A professional organization of this type may also provide continuing education opportunities.
Duties of an arts administrator will vary according to the size and type of organization he or she is working with. In larger organizations, arts administrators may handle buildings and facilities, organize the actions of creative staff like artists and performers, and work with other administrative personnel. People in these positions may also handle report writing, marketing, and public relations. In organizations large enough to have multiple administrative staff members for the arts, senior-level employees may offer advice to senior managers or a Board of Directors on planning. In smaller organizations arts administrators handle marketing, event booking, financial issues, and many other duties as required.
Anyone with strong communications and administrative skills who loves the arts and wants to help them grow should consider a career as an arts administrator. These types of positions allow you to work in an arts field, but without the instability of being a full-time artist. However, that does not mean you have to give up art. Many arts administrators also work on their artistic endeavors in addition to their administrative positions. That is because these two efforts go hand in hand.
If you have got the ability to help make the arts grow it is time to do something about it. Look into your options when it comes to arts administration and cultural organizations. This kind of job can be incredibly rewarding and is a great way to introduce more of your community to the wonderful artistic experiences that are available, but which people might not know about. It also helps artists get the exposure they need which is so hard for them to get. Arts administrators are an extremely valuable part of the artistic experience and are a vital position in just about any cultural or arts organization. Without them, many people would not know about the art that is all around them.
