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Arts administrator

Alternative titles for this job include

Arts administrators help organise exhibitions, manage staff and look after buildings like museums and galleries.

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£32,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • volunteering
  • applying directly

University

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

College

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

Apprenticeship

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

Volunteering

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:

Direct Application

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.

More information

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Business Administration Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £14,722.50 a year Annually
  • Location: HA8 6LE

Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship

  • Wage: £13,741 a year Annually
  • Location: HARROW
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming an arts administrator?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

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