Art Management Schools
Arts events, from musical events to live theater, art gallery shows and more are put together by art managers. According to Salary.com, the median arts management salary is around $76,000, although salaries obviously will vary according to the type of arts management and the industry in which you work. To find the right school for earning a degree in this highly competitive field, it is important for prospective students to consider both the type of management and the type of arts in which they may want to specialize.
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Types of Degrees
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There are dozens of schools that offer programs in arts management or arts administration. Program offerings include certificate programs, which usually take a year or less and only cover the basics, two-year associate degrees, four-year bachelor's degrees and post-graduate master's degrees. The different degrees are applicable to different types of arts management jobs. For example, having a certificate in arts management may get an applicant in the door with some organizations, especially if the certificate is coupled with additional education. However, for high-level jobs with large organizations a master's degree is preferable in many instances.
Areas of Management
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Some programs, especially certificate and associate-degree programs, offer general arts management or arts administration courses that cover broad topics applicable to the arts in general. Many bachelor's-degree programs and master's programs focus on specific areas of the arts. There are, after all, differences between theater and music, visual arts and film. When considering four-year and post-graduate programs, applicants should know in which area of arts management they are interested in working. Knowing this will help narrow the field when it comes to finding the right school and the right program.
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Choosing a School
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Location and price are obvious considerations when choosing a school. Beyond convenience an arts management school's location can have an impact on the quality of education and the opportunities afforded. If, for example, a student is interested in managing live theater, attending a school that is near Broadway in New York will provide significant additional opportunities. It also is a good idea to look at the experience of the school's faculty and the internships and other opportunities it provides for its students in the arts management arena.
Applying
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Some certificate and associate-degree programs are fairly easy to get into and accept nearly everyone who applies. Applying to more competitive schools, though, can be a challenge. Unlike many art school applicants, arts management applicants may have a hard time putting together a portfolio to show at interviews. A high school graduate is unlikely to have much experience managing artists or arts events. A good way to build a resume for arts management schools is to show a general interest in the arts and in leadership. Working on extracurricular school arts activities, especially in a planning and support role, and volunteering with community arts programs can help to showcase your interest in arts management.
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