Fine Art
This page has been designed to give a starting point for those looking into careers in fine art and includes information on painting, printmaking, sculpture and critical thinking.
- What are careers in fine art?
- Finding a job or employer in this sector
- Further information and useful links
What are careers in Fine Art?
Fine artists create original work such as drawings, paintings, engravings, photographs, carvings, sculptures, linocuts, lithographs, screenprints, and computer-aided digital graphics. A fine artist may produce work independently or for a commission. Income is generated by raising funds for projects through grants and selling work (Prospects). Alternative ways of earning money from fine art include running workshops, classes, or art festivals, and teaching adults or children privately or through community learning. Most artists are self-employed and therefore set their own hours of work.
Prospects
Prospects is a graduate careers website with the following guide. 'Your degree in Fine Art ... what next?
Targetjobs: Art and Design
Targetjobs is a graduate careers website with the following job sector information.
The Artists Information Company
The website contains professional guidelines, which include how much to charge and how to be self-employed and publish Signpost 2003 - the new graduates' guide to being an artist. Hard Copy of this resource is available for reference at the Grand Parade Careers Centre.
Finding a job or employer in this sector
Artyfacts
University of Brighton Careers Service newsletter for arts and architecture students. This is available free to students of the University of Brighton from the Careers Service. For details of subscribing please contact the Moulsecoomb careers centre.
Local employment
Vacancies within the arts and crafts world are seldom advertised but are filled by personal contacts developed through more creative and individual job hunting techniques. Some of the following organisations may be useful contacts to start this process.
National Campaign for the Arts
Transition Tradition
Transition Tradition is a portal for creative students and graduates experiencing the transition between university and work.
The Artists Information Company (Jobs and Opps)
This resource connects proactive visual artists and organisers to the environment for work and career development. Searchable, comprehensive route to salaried and fee-paid work, projects and other opportunities for visual and applied artists.
Further information and useful links
Art and design
Arts Council England
National development agency for the arts in England. Includes ArtsJobs which details current vacancies and opportunities in the arts community and ArtsNews which details arts events, news and press releases. You will also find details about funding, grants and awards available.
Association of Art Historians
Promotes the study of art history through art, design, architecture, film and photography
AN Magazine
Read the profiles of interesting artists and curators.
National Society for Education in Art and Design
Leading national authority concerned with art, craft and design across all phases of education in the United Kingdom.
Heritage/conservation work
Association of Independent Museums
Museums Association (MA)
Lots of careers information and vacancies
Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA)
MLA was wound up in May 2012. Its duties have transferred to Arts Council England and The National Archives.
Institute of Conservation
Members of this organisation can access recruitment information
See also our page on Heritage and Museums Management.
Sculpture
International Sculpture Centre
Advances the creation and understanding of sculpture and its unique, vital contribution to society’
Public Monuments and Sculpture Association
Promotes and preserves public sculptures and monuments in UK, produces 'Sculpture Journal'
Printing
British Press Photographers Association
Exhibitions, competitions, funding and events
Art Deadlines
A monthly newsletter with announcements, listings of art contests and competitions, art scholarships and grants, juried exhibitions, art jobs and internships, call for entries/proposals/papers, writing & photo contests, residencies, design and architecture competitions, auditions, casting calls, fellowships, festivals, funding, and other opportunities for artists, art educators and art students of all ages
Artizana
A showcase of contemporary British Arts and Crafts.
Axis
Forum for artists to show their work
Candid Arts
Online database of new graduates. Details exhibition space
Cockpit Arts
London based studio space and business support for design makers
Funding from the Arts Council
To manage the increased demand and make sure funds from the Arts Council are distributed evenly, from 31 March 2007 the Grants for the arts eligibility criteria include the following changes:
- For national activities, we will enforce more rigorously current guidance that sets a ceiling of £200,000.
- For grants to organisations we will enforce more rigorously current guidance that sets a ceiling of £100,000.
We strongly recommend that you get advice if these changes affect your activity. Contact the Arts Council
Arts Council grants for the arts - individuals and organisations
Grants for the arts are for individuals, arts organisations and other people who use the arts in their work. They are for activities that benefit people in England or that help artists and arts organisations from England to carry out their work.
Galleries
Monthly listing of exhibitions in the UK
Public Art Online
Resource for information on public art practice