Arts Administrator
(Arts and Cultural Planner, Cultural Development Officer)
Fact Sheet
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Checking listings of arts funding and timelines |
Arts administrators manage artistic and cultural venues such as theatres and art galleries.
Duties and Tasks
Arts administrators may perform the following tasks:
- seek sponsorship and funding from federal, state, territory and local governments and community and industry organisations
- prepare and submit funding applications
- negotiate with artists and performers regarding contracts
- coordinate arts programs
- coordinate sound and lighting, stage management and security, box office sales, distribution and sale of publications, public relations and catering
- take part in the commissioning and purchasing of works of art
- organise and promote exhibitions and events
- help to develop and implement the organisation's strategic plans and marketing strategies
- manage the organisation's human and financial resources, including budget preparation
- provide an appropriate working environment for employees
- liaise with the media
- provide education services to the public
- make recommendations on cultural grants
- make sure that corporate and legal requirements are complied with
- provide support in policy development and report to the board of directors.
Specialisations
The duties of arts administrators vary according to the type of cultural or artistic environment in which they are employed, the level at which they are employed and the size of the organisation. In small organisations, arts administrators may be involved in all aspects, whereas in large organisations they usually specialise in one particular area such as marketing, education or seeking sponsorship.
Quick Facts
School subjects that include some aspect of ART provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an art-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of the PERFORMING ARTS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a performing arts subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs in the visual and graphic arts, in the crafts and in the performing arts, such as music, theatre, radio, film & television, as well as general entertainment and sporting jobs.
Included are jobs in accounting, administration, advertising, banking, distribution, economics, finance, marketing, personnel management, policy advice, public relations, real estate, sales and valuation.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS, to creatively express, present or perform them. An appreciation of design, style, form, beauty or related concepts used to develop or interpret an idea are important. Activities include writing, painting, singing, dancing, decorating, designing and performing.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH DATA to order, process or retrieve facts and figures, or to develop or administer policies and procedures. Activities include organising, using or updating information, such as files or accounts, developing or following procedures or systems, and the planning, budgeting, and staffing of an organisation.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to sell to, influence, motivate, negotiate with, or serve them. Activities include selling, promoting or providing goods or services, bargaining, or presenting a point of view.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of secondary education and/or completion of some further study of a vocational nature, such as a Diploma or an Advanced Diploma.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.
Personal Requirements
- good oral and written communication skills
- able to relate to people of diverse backgrounds
- good organisational and management skills
- able to handle finances
- able to work under pressure and to deadlines
- able to work flexible hours
- appreciation of the role of the arts in the community.
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