Artistic know-how and business skills are equally important in arts administration
programs.
You can get undergraduate or master's degrees in arts administration
or arts management. There are also some community college programs,
but these are generally for people who already have a degree.
Denise Roy is acting dean of an arts and communications center. She notes
that multiple reading, writing and speaking skills are required in
her school's arts management program. "The ability to work independently as
well as in a team environment ... is important."
Students in Roy's program learn the basics of management, publicity,
fund-raising, finance, contracts, communications, accounting, personnel relations,
computer applications and more.
Undergraduate degrees can also include courses in arts management, economics,
marketing, computer theory and statistics, as well as business law, research
and writing.
Other courses might deal with planning and implementing tours, presenting
and sponsoring performances, and technical theater for arts managers.
In some programs, students will be given the opportunity of a field
placement with a performing and visual arts organization. This allows
for real-life practice in various management capacities with a professional
dance, music or theater association.
To prepare for such a rigorous program, Roy suggests that high school students get
involved in the arts or other types of volunteer activities. You'll also
have to pass a basic computer literacy and keyboarding test.
Arts management may be an arts field, but it's also a business field, and students
will need to know about computers, says John Bedford. He is dean of the
program at Oklahoma City University.
Students should enter college with established skills in word processing,
spreadsheets, simple databases, e-mail and Internet searching, Bedford says.
High school students should have developed keyboard skills.
Students also need good communication skills. "An open and friendly
personality is desirable," Bedford says.
"While in high school, students should take courses in English composition
and literature, history and sciences to develop a lively and well-rounded
intellect," Bedford says.
"The student should also take courses in speech and drama to develop oral
communication skills and confidence in appearing before and addressing groups
and audiences."
Arts administration program expenses may include textbooks, printing
and stationery.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Advertising,
Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations and Sales Managers
Artslynx International Arts Administration Resources
Follow the links to various relevant resources
The New York Times -- Arts
News in the arts community