Arts Manager/Administrator

 Occupation Vitals
Arts Managers combine managerial experience with a passion for the arts. As an Arts Manager you will be
required to plan, organise and promote events for arts and cultural organisations such as art galleries,
museums, community centres, arts venues, arts councils etc. You may be involved in day-to-day operations
in a small gallery or may specialise in developing and administering policies/ procedures; public relations or
arts education in larger institutions. Your responsibilities may vary depending on the type and size of the arts
organisation or gallery. 

Depending on where you are employed, the Arts Manager may also be required to perform the role of an
Education and Outreach Manager. 

 Nature of the Work

An Arts Manager’s role includes: 
•Identifying platforms to showcase arts events and exhibitions 
•Liaising with galleries to seek opportunities to showcase new and established artists locally and overseas 
•Liaising with exhibition venues and artists 
•Negotiating with artists regarding contracts 
•Negotiating sponsorships and funding for venues or specific events 
•Develop and implement publicity strategies and manage ticket sales 
•Liaising with the media for advertising, posters or publicity material 
•Assisting in writing publicity materials for arts-related events and activities 
•Planning, organising logistics and promoting exhibitions and events 
•Managing resources, policy development, budget preparation and compliance to legal requirements 
•Collaborating with arts professionals, communities and arts councils to develop new projects and initiatives 
•Keeping abreast of developments in the Visual Arts industry at national and international level 
•Identifying avenues to develop the arts business and grow the organisation 
•Assisting in strategic planning and management decisions (at senior levels). 

 Working Conditions
Job location and hours of work may vary depending on the job and the institution. An Arts Manager job is
usually office-based but will be required to travel to attend arts events and meetings with artists and other
organisations. Those involved in exhibitions or festivals would require to work evenings and/ or weekends.
 Qualifications, Training and Advancement
&8226Degree 
- Arts Management 
- Visual Arts and Design 
- Art History 
- Performing Arts 
- Literary Studies 

Minimum qualification requirement is a degree in any of the following subjects: Arts management; Visual Arts
and Design; Art History; Performing Arts; or Literary Studies. 

Relevant work experience and excellent knowledge of the Visual Arts sector are required. Prior experience as
a volunteer or intern at art fairs and exhibitions is advisable. Internship experience is valuable to provide
professional insights as well as help develop connections in the industry. Small-scale art organisations offer
less structured career growth opportunities when compared with large-scale galleries/ institutions. In large-
scale institutions, Arts Managers are typically employed as full-time staff, and will usually begin their careers
as Arts Administrators. Experienced Arts Managers may choose to be self-employed and progress to
becoming Art Consultants. 

A typical career path of an Arts Manager/Administrator employed in a large institution or government body
could look like this: 
Arts Administrator->Arts Manager->Head of Arts Management/Administration
 Personal Characteristics and Core Competencies
 An Arts Manager/Administrator should possess the following qualities: 
•Specialised knowledge and appreciation of the arts 
•Good communication, interpersonal, management and organisational skills 
•Ability to relate to people from diverse backgrounds 
•Commercial awareness and ability to handle finances 
•Ability to keep abreast with latest trends in the arts sector 
•Knowledge in arts-related legal and accounting aspects 
•Ability to liaise with the press and handle other public relations functions 
•Ability to work under pressure and cope with deadlines 
•Ability to work independently, handle multiple projects and work flexible hours. 

 Job Outlook
The growing strata of high net-worth individuals (HNIs) in Asia and Singapore are likely to invest in artworks,
which could propel the Visual Arts market. Furthermore, gallery attendance in Singapore has been growing,
indicating potential opportunities for additional art galleries and exhibitions. Increased government
investments in promoting private galleries could also create job prospects for Arts Managers. 

Arts Managers may be employed by government-funded organisations and local partnerships, on short or
long-term contracts. Job prospects may be available with art galleries, arts centres, arts museums and
concert venues. 

 Earnings
An Arts Manager’s earnings may range from S$2400/- to S$5000/- per month depending on experience
record and specialisation. The earnings range indicated are only ballpark guidelines and not exact. In
addition, in the Visual Arts sector, the earnings potential of jobs can vary depending on whether you are self-
employed or employed with: 
•Large or small-scale art gallery 
•National or commercial art gallery. 

 Related Careers
1. Performing Arts - Artistic Director/Director
1. Visual Arts - Arts Consultant
1. Visual Arts - Gallery Director