Arts administrator

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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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.

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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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:

• The Arts Society
• NCVO
• Do IT

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 .

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

You could work in an office, in a theatre, in a museum, at an art gallery or in the community.