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Arts administrator
Arts administrators help organise exhibitions, manage staff and look after buildings like museums.
Average salary (a year)
£15000
Starter
£30000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 39.0 hours
variable
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
attending events or appointments
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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 or 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/
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 level 2 or level 3 business administration and event management.
Entry requirements
You'll usually 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|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could also become an arts administrator by doing an intermediate apprenticeship in business administration or an events assistant intermediate apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate 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
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:The Arts Society, NCVO, Do IT
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 more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
You could
keep venues clean and secure to meet health and safety laws, 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 admin work
Working environment
You could work in an office, in a theatre, in a museum, at an art gallery or in the community.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could become an arts officer or manager.
You could also take on freelance work or become a consultant.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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