Frequently Asked Questions About Arts Administration What is arts administration? Arts administration is the management of arts organizations of all kinds, including in the nonprofit sector symphony orchestras, opera companies, presenting organizations such as the Carnegie Hall Corporation, museums, theaters, dance companies, arts councils and service organizations. Arts administrators can also be found in for profit organizations in such areas as artist management, recording, art gallery and auction house management, film and television. What is the difference between arts management and arts administration? The terms are generally used interchangeably. What kinds of jobs are available in arts administration? Administrators typically work in the areas of general management/planning, artistic administration, operations, development (fundraising), marketing, public relations, education, community outreach, human resource management, financial management or government relations. What are typical salaries for arts administrators? Salaries vary widely, depending upon the size of the organization, whether it is nonprofit or for profit, and where it is located. Typically, organizations in large cities, such as New York or Chicago, are able to offer higher compensation. In general, salaries in the nonprofit sector are as follows: Entry Level/Assistant $25,000 - $30,000 Middle Manager $30,000 - $55,000 Senior Manager $55,000 - $90,000 Executive Director $90,000+ What background do I need to enter an arts administration program? Any undergraduate major is acceptable, but typical majors are performing or visual arts, business administration, or theater. Most programs also require some direct work experience in the field before admission, including administrative or volunteer work at the undergraduate level. Generally speaking, what is the profile of a typical arts administration program? Most are two-year graduate programs, accepting 12-15 students each year, with course work in the fields of management, fundraising, and law, as well as arts administration. Programs usually include some kind of field experience, such as an internship, and may require a thesis.. Will a master's degree in arts administration increase one's chances of getting a job in the field? More than likely. And program graduates generally enter the field at a higher rank and salary. Can I use the degree in fields other than the arts? Absolutely. Arts administration programs help students develop skills in the areas of organizational management, financial management, marketing, fundraising, and public relations as applied to both the business and the arts worlds. Therefore, graduates may eventually opt to work in non-arts sectors that utilize the same skills, such as fundraising for a hospital or university. Top of Page