Arts Administrator

Job Description:

Arts administrators help to organise events in the performing or visual arts. They might manage staff, finances, and locations for performances and exhibitions.

Job Category:
Art & Fashion

What you will do:

You could work at places like theatres, art galleries, community and disability arts organisations, or local authorities. You’ll work in areas like accounting, fundraising, marketing, buildings management and customer care.

Your day-to-day tasks could include:

  • booking venues and artists
  • negotiating sponsorship and funding
  • promoting events and managing social media
  • helping with staff training
  • managing budgets and keeping records
  • carrying out general administration and selling tickets

You’ll also usually be responsible for organising staff to make sure that the building is clean, secure and meets the venue’s health and safety laws.

You work will depend on the size of organisation you work for. In larger organisations, you may be responsible for just one area of work, or you may work across different departments.

Skills:

You’ll need:

  • business management skills
  • knowledge of the fine arts
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As well as:

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

A degree in arts, arts administration, events, or business studies may be helpful.

Relevant skills and experience are also valued by employers. You could get this through volunteering or temporary work, such as:

  • helping with student or community drama productions or concerts
  • working front of house or at box offices at arts centres, cinemas or theatres
  • taking relevant temporary jobs with arts festivals

Volunteering or temporary work can help you to develop a network of contacts within the industry. Competition for jobs can be strong, so contacts may help you to find work.

You could get into this job through an apprenticeship.

Working Hours and Environment:

Your working hours could vary and include evenings, late nights and weekends.

You’ll work in an office and also travel to events and performances.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience, you could become an arts officer or manager.

You could also take on freelance work or become a consultant.