Arts Administrators

Arts Administrators

Arts administrators spend their days managing the operations and programs of arts organizations, such as galleries, theaters, or museums. They handle tasks such as budgeting, planning events, coordinating with artists and stakeholders, and overseeing marketing and outreach efforts to ensure the smooth functioning and growth of their institutions.

Quiz Matches

What kind of personality tends to excel in this career?
Ideas
Creations
How much this role requires you to be outspoken and in the spotlight.
Independent
Collaborative
How often you’ll have to work with others
Introvert
Extrovert
How often you’ll be coming up with big ideas versus making ideas reality.
Routine
Variety
How much your tasks change day by day
Screen Time
How much of your day is spent working at a desk on a computer.

Average Salary in SC

$52,627

Education Level

4 year degree recommended

Alternate Titles

Arts Manager
Cultural Manager
Program Director
Development Officer (Arts)
Curatorial Manager
Kyle C. Coleman, Arts Administrator, presenting a large check to a ArtFields festival winner.

How did you make it into your creative field?
In undergrad, I discovered a love for art history. That led to internships at art museums and deciding that I wanted to work within this industry. Arts administration presented itself as the best option for my career.

What advice would you have for someone interested in arts administration?
I would encourage anyone interested in arts administration to seek out practitioners and ask as many questions as possible. Look for internship opportunities so that they can have first-hand experience in what we do daily.

What do you enjoy about living in South Carolina?
This is home for me. I was gone for around 13 years before I was able to return. I love this state and and am overjoyed that I am able to pursue my chosen career here.

What barriers, if any, did you face when choosing your career?
There is not a huge population of Black men who work as Arts Administrators. I am actively looking to create pathways so that more Black men may find their careers here as well.

Arts Administrator Kyle C. Coleman presenting on a stage with a microphone.
Kyle Coleman
Arts Administrator
Fine Arts Manager for ArtFields in Lake City, Columbia native, Arts Administrator for over 20 years.

More Details

Skills

Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Time Management
Speaking
Coordination

Activities

Getting Information
Communicating with Colleagues
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Scheduling Work and Activities

Work Styles

Integrity
Dependability
Self-Control
Stress Tolerance
Attention to Detail

Association of Arts Administration Educators
National Council of Arts Administrators
Americans for the Arts

Art and Arts Management Courses
Introduction to Art
Arts Management
Art History

Business and Management Courses
Introduction to Business
Business Management
Marketing

Communication and Media Courses
Public Relations
Public Speaking
Financial and Legal Courses
Personal Finance
Introduction to Law

Arts Administration
Arts Management
Arts Policy
Business Administration
Communications
Cultural Management
Event Management
Marketing
Nonprofit Management
Public Administration

Jobs
Administrative Assistant
Event Coordinator
Box Office Clerk
Gallery or Museum Assistant

Internships
Arts Organization Internship
Event Planning Internship
Development or Fundraising Internship
Marketing and Public Relations Internship

Apprenticeships
Arts Administrator’s Apprenticeship
Cultural Institution Apprenticeship
Development Director’s Apprenticeship
Event Management Apprenticeship

Other Learning Opportunities
Online Courses in Arts Administration
Participate in Arts-Related Projects
Network with Arts Professionals
Create a Portfolio

Express Ideas
Lead Teams
Build Networks

 

Learn more about the Profile of the SC Graduate here.

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