Arts: Where Communication Skills are Fundamental

Arts degrees encompass majors such as general arts, visual and performing arts, arts management, dance, acting, graphic design, music, photography, crafts, folk art, artisanry and painting. General arts majors study art history; in addition, they try a variety of visual arts, for instance painting and photography. Most arts management programs prepare students for working with artists and art institutions such as dance companies and museums, to raise funds and manage finances, promote art, and develop programs. Arts management majors get a strong foundation in economics and business and learn about what are the issues and challenges that the art world faces today. Students of arts management also learn how to use business skills to manage arts organizations and facilities, such as studios, museums, and galleries.

As an arts management major you will complete an internship, be active in your local arts community, handle artwork and install art exhibits, learn how to write proposals and applications for grants, practice creating budgets, write strategic plans (business documents outlining the future plans of an organization), learn about laws and regulations that affect nonprofit arts organizations and develop a broad knowledge of visual and performing arts. Related majors to arts management include theater arts, studio arts, music management and merchandising, museum studies, dance, business administration and management, art history, criticism, and conservation. Typical courses of this major include policy in the arts, music appreciation, marketing, introduction to theater, gallery fundamentals, financial accounting, economics, business law, arts financial management and art history.