Arts administration
This page has been designed to give a starting point for those looking into careers in arts administration.
See also our page on Heritage and Museums Management.
What is arts administration?
Arts administration positions are in high demand even though the pay is relatively low. Hard-to-fill vacancies include experienced administrators for principal posts running major performance venues, orchestras and theatre/opera companies. Developments in software have revolutionised all areas of the creative sector. There are programmes for music notation, design, photography, creation and web presentation. Graduates will need to find the most relevant mix of programmes for their practice or professional needs, including those designed to support running a business.
Prospects is a graduate careers website with profiles on the following jobs, which are available at
Prospects also produces a sector guide for the Creative arts.
How do I get into it?
Arts Advice
In conjunction with learndirect, offers free course and careers advice via telephone and email on the arts and entertainment industry.
Independent Theatre Council
ITC represents a wide range of performing arts organisations, venues and individuals. Runs a comprehensive range of training courses, many suitable for arts administrators.
National Society for Education in Art and Design
Leading national authority concerned with the teaching of art, craft and design across all phases of education in the United Kingdom
Look for courses at the university
See the courses database for University of Brighton courses in this area.
Finding a job or employer in this sector
Artyfacts
University of Brighton newsletter for arts and architecture students.
ArtsIndustry
Describes itself as the 'Independent voice of UK arts and culture industries', including performing/visual arts to museums and heritage. The website has a vacancy section.
Art Review
The paper version is held at St Peters House Library
a-n The Artists Information Company
Aims to stimulate and support contemporary visual arts practice and affirm the value of artists in society.
Opportunities
Public sector posts in recreation management, museums, arts administration
Careers Centre Guide to Working in the Creative Industries
Further information and useful links
The Arts Council of England
Arts Council England is the national development agency for the arts in England, distributing public money from government and the national lottery. The site has links to regional arts boards.
Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Brighton and Hove Arts Commission
Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographic and Theatre Union (BECTU)
Candid Arts
6,500sq feet of exhibition space, galleries, artists studios, banqueting, conference and screening rooms, rehearsal spaces and a cafe, includes an online database of graduates
The National Campaign for the Arts (NCA)
Independent lobbying organisation that represents all the arts. Includes a recruitment section
Theatrical Management Association (TMA)
Provides a professional support network for individuals and organisations throughout the UK, professionally involved in the production and presentation of the performing arts.
Directories like the British Performing Arts Yearbook, The Original British Theatre Directory and the Museums and Galleries Yearbook, will hold details of companies for speculative enquiries. All are held at St Peters House Library.