There are no set qualifications for becoming an arts administrator – the real key to the career is relevant experience, which you could get through volunteering or temporary work.
You can gain experience in a number of ways, including helping with student or community drama productions or concerts, getting involved with community events such as street carnivals, working in front of house or box office in arts centres, cinemas or theatres and taking temporary work, for example with arts festivals.
Visit the Arts Council website for details of local arts organisations which may have opportunities for volunteering or temporary work. You can also get information from arts officers in your local authority and from Voluntary Arts.
Volunteering will also give you the opportunity to make useful contacts, and is a way of showing future employers that you are enthusiastic and committed to the arts.
You would need general administration skills, and you may find it useful to have qualifications or experience in areas such as word processing, book-keeping, public relations and marketing. You may be able to start as an assistant or secretary in an arts organisation and work your way up.
A degree could be an advantage, although not essential. Relevant subjects include arts management, arts administration options in other arts-related degrees, events and entertainment management, and business studies, but relevant experience is more important than having a degree. Some postgraduate courses include work placements in arts organisations, and can be useful for developing contacts.