UKP-Arts - Management Courses - Putting Yourself First

Managers use their knowledge, skills and experience to present arts and cultural events to the public. They act as bridges, bringing together artists and audiences. Their work is usually carried out behind the scenes, ensuring that artists, venues and projects get recognition, funding and are able to operate in a sustainable way. They also make certain that the public experience arts and cultural events in the most appropriate and therefore enjoyable ways.

Solid foundations

The general aim of these management courses is to combine a solid management foundation with a specific focus on employment opportunities spanning the music, film, entertainment, arts and media sectors. You will learn the appropriate theoretical skills for understanding management and business related activities within your chosen sector. These will include accounting, finance, marketing, legal aspects of the work, technical management and ICT skills. Some courses will also have strong links within the world of work and hands-on experience on a work placement can be invaluable for putting your theory in to practice as well as making those all- important contacts.

Building skills

Throughout the course you will then be able to build upon these management skills foundations whilst at the same time concentrating on specific aspects of your chosen field. You can study arts management with dance or drama, music or film, theatre or events. The majority of arts management courses are at degree or postgraduate level but there are a few HNDs and Foundation degrees now available. Keyword search Management in the UKP-Arts Course search to find out about specific courses throughout the UK.

What to look for

There are a number of reasons why you may or may not choose a certain course, but here are some of the things you should consider when looking at different management courses.

Is there input from industry professionals? Do they give lectures, hold workshops etc?

Does the college/university have strong links with industry bodies and local performance venues for you to gain advice and experience?

Will you have access to any recording and production facilities to help you learn the technical aspects of the industry?

Does the college/university have its own production company or record label? Are there opportunities for work placements during the course?

Employment Opportunities

Management courses can prepare you for a wide range of employment opportunities, including:

artist management

arts administration

arts funding

arts marketing

cinema management

festival management

film production

front-of-house management within the world of theatre

performing arts management

promotions and events management

record company management

venue management.