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Arts Administrator

Also known as Arts and Cultural Planner and Cultural Development Officer.

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

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.

TASKS

Arts administrators may perform the following tasks:

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 programmes
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

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

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

Very Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

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 HSC/ACT Year 12.

A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. 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 Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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. 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.