Arts administrator: Job description

An arts administrator manages activities and services which support the arts sector, involving projects and initiatives provided by:

• theatres, galleries and museums;
• arts festivals and centres;
• dance companies;
• community and disability arts organisations;
• local authorities and arts councils.

An administrator in a small organisation may perform a variety of functions ranging from marketing and booking performers to finance and insurance matters. In larger organisations they may specialise in specific administrative areas such as programming, front-of-house management, public relations, marketing, education or sponsorship.

Experienced arts administrators may provide consultative support at managerial levels.

Typical work activities

Arts administrator roles vary a great deal between organisations but activities may typically include:

• planning and organising logistics related to events, buildings, performers/artists and other personnel;
• using skills in arts-related law, accountancy, press liaison and public relations;
• working to secure funding for venues or specific events;
• writing, or contributing to, publications which accompany arts-related events and activities;
• arranging performances, artists, venues, security, catering and sale of tickets;
• marketing a performance or event through direct mail, advertising, use of a website, producing posters or publicity leaflets and attracting media coverage;
• planning and managing budgets;
• programming and booking performances and events, including arrangements for tours in the UK and abroad; 
• development of new projects and initiatives in consultation with arts professionals and key stakeholders (e.g. local education authorities, local government and communities, venue directors and regional arts boards);
• taking responsibility for operational management issues such as venue accessibility, health and safety issues and building maintenance;
• selecting and training staff and negotiating contracts;
• ensuring corporate and legal requirements are complied with, and reporting to the board of directors. 

At a more senior level, there may be some involvement in strategic planning and management decisions.