How to become a community arts worker
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
University
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
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College
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 2 or 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
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a cultural learning and participation officer advanced apprenticeship.
This typically takes between 18 and 21 months to complete as a mix of learning in the workplace and off-the-job study.
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
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Volunteering
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:
Direct Application
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.
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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.