Arts administrator

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly

University

Many arts administrators have a university degree but it's not essential.

Most subjects are useful but you may have an advantage with a degree in:

• arts management or arts administration
• events and entertainment management
• business studies

Work experience at university

Employers value experience, knowledge and commitment to art as well as your degree.

You should try to get work experience through volunteering, placements, internships or year in industry schemes. Your university careers service can help you find work experience opportunities.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could do a course at college to get some of the skills you need to apply for trainee arts administrator roles.

As well as courses in creative or performing arts, you could also consider subjects like level 2 or level 3 business administration and event management.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could also become an arts administrator by doing an intermediate apprenticeship in business administration or an events assistant intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Volunteering

You could develop a network of contacts, volunteer or find temporary work to show employers you're committed to the arts.

You could:

• help with student or community drama productions or concerts
• work as a customer assistant at arts centres, cinemas or theatres
• get involved in community arts festivals and projects

You can search for opportunities near you with:

• The Arts Society
• NCVO
• Do IT

DirectApplication

You could apply for jobs if you've got experience or qualifications in office administration, fundraising or marketing.

It would also be helpful if you can show you're interested or passionate about art.

More information

You can find more advice about working in the arts through Arts Council England and Creative Lives .

You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• business management skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of the fine arts
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• leadership skills
• excellent written communication skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with others
• an interest and knowledge of history
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• knowledge of English language
• active listening skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to learn through your work
• concentration skills
• maths skills

What you'll do:

Arts administrators help organise exhibitions, manage staff and look after buildings like museums.

You could:

• keep venues clean and secure to meet health and safety laws
• book artists and performers
• promote events on social media and websites
• help recruit and train staff
• organise ticket sales, manage budgets and keep records
• carry out general admin work

Location : You could work in an office, in a theatre, in a museum, at an art gallery or in the community.

Salary:

Starter : £15,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays attending events or appointments

Career Path:

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

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