Arts administrator
Arts administrators help organise exhibitions, manage staff and look after buildings like museums and galleries.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As an art administrator, you could:
- book artists and performers
- promote events on social media and websites
- help recruit and train staff
- organise ticket sales, manage budgets and keep records
- carry out general office admin work
- keep venues clean and secure to meet health and safety laws
Working environment
You could work in an office, in a theatre, in a museum, at an art gallery or in the community.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become an arts officer or manager.
You could also take on freelance work or become a consultant.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- business management skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- knowledge of the fine arts
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- leadership skills
- excellent written communication skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
Many arts administrators have a university degree but it's not essential.
Most subjects are useful but you may have an advantage with a degree in:
- arts management
- arts administration
- events and entertainment management
- business studies
Work experience at university
Employers value experience, knowledge and commitment to art as well as your degree.
You should try to get work experience through volunteering, placements, internships or year in industry schemes. Your university careers service can help you find work experience opportunities.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
You could do a course at college to get some of the skills you need to apply for trainee arts administrator roles.
As well as courses in creative or performing arts, you could also consider subjects like business administration and event management.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
You could train to become an arts administrator by doing an apprenticeship like:
- Level 3 Business Administrator Advanced Apprenticeship
- Level 3 Events Assistant Advanced Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
You could develop a network of contacts, volunteer or find temporary work to show employers you're committed to the arts.
You could:
- help with student or community drama productions or concerts
- work as a customer assistant at arts centres, cinemas or theatres
- get involved in community arts festivals and projects
You can search for opportunities near you, with:
You could apply for jobs if you've got experience or qualifications in office administration, fundraising or marketing.
It would also be helpful if you can show you're interested or passionate about art.
You can find more advice about working in the arts through Arts Council England and Creative Lives.
You can also find out about working in the creative industries from Discover Creative Careers.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.