Community arts worker

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• community arts
• creative expressive therapies
• art and design
• community education

You'll usually need to be qualified and experienced in a particular art form, for instance visual arts, dance, drama, music or creative writing.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You may find a community arts qualification useful for getting a job as an assistant. Examples include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Community Arts Administration
• Level 3 Certificate in Community Development

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You may be able to do a cultural learning and participation officer 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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

It's important to get relevant experience by volunteering. This can often lead into paid work.

You can find out about local community arts projects from the arts officer at your local council, or by checking:

• Voluntary Arts
• Arts Council England
• Do-it

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got paid or voluntary experience of working in the community. For example, in adult education, art teaching or youth work. Experience of working with disadvantaged or vulnerable groups will also be helpful.

Career tips

Experience is just as important for getting onto a community arts course as it is for finding paid work.

Further information

You'll find more on working in community arts and creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• knowledge of psychology
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• leadership skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of English language
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• working with local community groups to identify needs and concerns
• developing new groups and activities
• creating artwork and helping community members develop their own ideas
• promoting and organising input from other arts workers
• leading meetings and training activities
• advising on grants, sponsorship and other sources of funding
• writing funding bids and proposals, managing budgets and general administration
• publicising activities through the press, local radio, leaflets and social media
• managing and assessing projects

You could work in the community, at an adult care home, in a prison or at a school.