Community arts worker : Entry requirements

Most community arts workers are qualified or trained in a particular arts discipline. Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree in the following subjects may increase your chances:

• drama, theatre, dance or performing arts;
• music;
• art, design, fine art;
• contemporary arts;
• media, film or photography;
• art history;
• event management;
• teaching/education.

Specific community arts qualifications have also been introduced in the last few years at undergraduate level.

Entry is also possible with a HND/foundation degree. In particular, a HND/foundation degree in community arts may improve your chances. A new foundation degree in carnival arts has been developed by the UK Centre for Carnival Arts with the University of Bedfordshire and is available from September 2010.

Entry without a degree or HND/foundation degree is possible. Emphasis is placed more on having the right skills and experience than on academic qualifications.

A postgraduate degree is not essential but may be useful. Many institutions offer an MA in Community Arts and several institutions now offer Masters specifically in Community Music. A new part time course has been developed for arts graduates by the University of the West of England. The Graduate Certificate in Participatory Arts and Media Professional Practice will help candidates gain the necessary skills and a qualification to work in various fields within community arts.

As it is a competitive sector pre-entry experience in the field of community arts is important and a portfolio of experience in delivering projects may be sought when applying for community arts positions. Many community arts groups and initiatives rely on volunteers and it may be possible to get involved in a wide range of different projects in a voluntary capacity or through internships.

Initial entry positions may be in arts administration or as an assistant arts development officer with a local authority.  For arts administrator roles good IT and communication skills, together with an interest in the creative sector are key.

Regional arts councils hold lists of local community arts activities, organisations and events - see the Arts Council England , Creative Scotland , Arts Council of Wales  and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland  websites. The Voluntary Arts Network  website also has an extensive directory of arts organisations. Also contact local arts agencies and companies to see if any voluntary opportunities are available.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• creativity in a particular art form(s) and an understanding of the creative process;
• the ability to generate new ideas;
• the ability to facilitate the creativity of others and a willingness to share their own creative work and work collaboratively with creative professionals; 
• the ability to work in difficult situations and to handle problems calmly;
• excellent teamworking skills, but also self-motivation and personal time management skills;  
• good written and oral communication skills; 
• good organisational and administrative skills;
• an awareness of the context of the work, including issues of social regeneration and inclusion;  
• awareness of the specific needs of different community groups;
• an enthusiasm for working with groups in the community and ability to build relationships with these different groups;
• a good sense of humour; 
• strong interpersonal skills, patience, empathy, a positive approach and respect for others;
• project management skills;
• flexibility/adaptability;
• negotiating skills (especially to secure funding for projects);
• basic business knowledge and skills especially if working freelance;
• proactive and confident in decision making.

Though many community arts workers may be specialist artists in their own right, an interest in the creative sector and a good overall knowledge of the arts in general is of benefit.

You will need to have Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) clearance to work with young people and other vulnerable groups.

Read publications and newspapers from your local area to keep up to date with relevant community issues and take every opportunity to network and make contacts.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.