How to become an Arts Administrator

Arts Administrator

Arts administrators manage artistic and cultural venues such as theatres and art galleries.

Personal requirements for an Arts Administrator

  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Able to relate to people of diverse backgrounds
  • Good organisational and management skills
  • Able to handle finances
  • Able to work under pressure and to deadlines
  • Able to work varying hours
  • Appreciation of the role of the arts in the community

Education & Training for an Arts Administrator

To become an arts administrator you usually have to complete a degree with a major in an area of the arts, followed by a postgraduate qualification in arts administration or arts management. You may also consider a bachelor degree that emphasises management or financial and business skills.To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.


Duties & Tasks of an Arts Administrator

Arts administrators:

  • Seek sponsorship and funding from federal, state, territory and local governments as well as community and industry organisations
  • Prepare and submit funding applications
  • Negotiate with artists and performers regarding contracts
  • Coordinate arts programs
  • Coordinate sound and lighting, stage management and security, box office sales, distribution and sale of publications, public relations and catering
  • Take part in the commissioning and purchasing of works of art
  • Organise and promote exhibitions and events
  • Help to develop and implement the organisation's strategic plans and marketing strategies
  • Manage the organisation's human and financial resources, including budget preparation
  • Provide an appropriate working environment for employees
  • Liaise with the media
  • Provide education services to the public
  • Make recommendations on cultural grants
  • Ensure compliance with corporate and legal requirements
  • Provide support in policy development and report to the board of directors.

Tasks

  • Determines treatment and scope of production or display.
  • Supervises production and suggests or approves change in script or presentation.
  • Establishes operating budgets and production schedules.
  • Arranges finance for show/production.
  • Selects the director and technical personnel and, in consultation with the director, auditions and selects cast.
  • Selects items for display/presentation.

Working conditions for an Arts Administrator

The duties of arts administrators vary according to the type of cultural or artistic environment in which they are employed, the level at which they are employed and the size of the organisation. In small organisations, arts administrators may be involved in all aspects, whereas in large organisations they usually specialise in one particular area such as marketing, education or seeking sponsorship.


Employment Opportunities for an Arts Administrator

Arts administrators may work for national performing arts companies, local councils, regional community arts centres, museums, galleries, orchestras and entrepreneurial organisations such as concert and theatrical promoters. They also work for government departments and funding organisations such as the Australia Council for the Arts (www.australiacouncil.gov.au). Some are self-employed, while others work in partnerships.Opportunities will vary depending on the level of activity in the arts and media industries in regional and metropolitan centres. The long-term job prospects for arts administrators are affected by the level of government funding and corporate sponsorship.


Specializations

Arts Administrator

Arts administrators manage artistic and cultural venues such as theatres and art galleries.

  • Average age
    Average age
    45 years
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Strong
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    71% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    45 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    $2,259
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Very high skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Lower unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    71% Full-Time
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    1,600 workers
  • Employment Size
    Employment by state
    ACT: 3.5%
    NSW: 33.8%
    NT: 2.5%
    QLD: 12.1%
    SA: 6.2%
    TAS: 3.1%
    VIC: 29.9%
    WA: 8.7%
  • Employment Size
    Age brackets
    15-19: 0.3%
    20-24: 2.3%
    25-34: 20.9%
    35-44: 24.1%
    45-54: 25.7%
    55-59: 9.6%
    60-64: 8.2%
    65 and Over: 8.9%
  • Employment Size
    Education level
    Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 10.4%
    Bachelor degree: 39.4%
    Certificate III/IV: 4.8%
    Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 31.9%
    Year 10 and below: 2.7%
    Year 11: 1.6%
    Year 12: 9.3%
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