What does an arts administrator do?
Arts administrators make the arts happen. They are the organisers of the arts world. They help to organise events and exhibitions, manage staff, and look after buildings like theatres or museums.
They book venues, promote events, help with staff training, manage budgets and look after petty cash. Their roles varies depending on how large the organisation is. In a larger organisation, they might specialise in an area like accountancy or customer care. Or they might work in a small organisation and be responsible for all the day-to-day running of a venue or festival.
Being an arts administrator is a good career for people who are good at organising and who love the arts. You can become immersed in in orchestras, galleries, museums, arts festivals and arts centres and be very much at the heart of them.
What’s an arts administrator good at?
- Communication: work as part of a team, listen to others and explain ideas clearly
- Organisation: be thorough, pay attention to detail, be able to figure out how something needs to be organised
- Accounts: handle a budget, record and document cash flow, plan expenditure
- Working well under pressure: think clearly in stressful situations, decide what to do when things aren’t going to plan
- Love of the arts: have a passion for the arts organisation in which you are working, value the role of arts within a community
Where can being an arts administrator take me?
With experience you could work as an arts manager, running a large cultural organisation.
How do I become an arts administrator?
To become an arts administrator in the creative industries you need to combine your organisational skills with your passion for museums, galleries, theatre or whatever creative industry you would like to be part of. So get to know that industry. Go to museums and galleries. Go to the theatre. Get to know people by volunteering. Keep up your interest. While you’re doing that, get yourself qualified.
- Go to the National Careers Service: arts administrator to learn how
- Or go to the Arts Council and Voluntary Arts to learn more about the arts world and find out how to volunteer