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Fine and Studio Arts Management

Program Description

Just the Facts

Fine and Studio Arts Management. A program that prepares individuals to organize and manage fine and studio art organizations, operations, and facilities. Includes instruction in business and financial management; marketing and fundraising; personnel management and labor relations; event promotion and management; public relations and arts advocacy; arts law; and applications to specific arts activities such as galleries, museums, studios, foundations, and community organizations.

This program is available in these options:

  • Certificate / Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Master's degree
  • Doctoral degree

High School Courses

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Additional Information

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