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Arts Administrator

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

Arts administrators play a key role in supporting and managing the operations of arts organisations such as theatres, galleries, museums, and music venues. Their work involves organising events, managing budgets, promoting activities, liaising with artists, and ensuring the smooth running of programmes. They may also be involved in fundraising, grant applications, and developing educational outreach projects. Attention to detail, good communication skills, and a passion for the arts are important in this role. It can be a rewarding career for those who enjoy both creative environments and organisational tasks.

Arts Administrator

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The typical salary for an arts administrator in the UK ranges from £20,000 to £35,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Number of Positions

There are approximately 6,000 arts administration roles in the UK, with positions available in theatres, galleries, museums, and cultural organisations.

Typical Working Hours

Arts administrators usually work 37 to 40 hours per week, with some evening and weekend work required for events.

🚀 Careers in this path

Gallery Manager

Oversees the daily operations of an art gallery, including organising exhibitions, managing staff, and working with artists and the public.

Theatre Administrator

Manages the business and administrative aspects of a theatre, such as budgeting, scheduling, marketing, and liaising with performers and technical teams.

Festival Coordinator

Plans and organises arts festivals, handling logistics, booking artists, arranging venues, and ensuring events run smoothly.

Explore Arts and Cultural Organisations

Research Arts Organisations

Learn about different types of arts organisations such as museums, theatres, and galleries.

Start by visiting local arts venues and researching national arts organisations online. Pay attention to how these organisations are run, the events they host, and their outreach activities. Understanding the variety within the arts sector is crucial for determining what type of organisation you might like to work for in the future.

Participate in Arts Activities

Get involved in school or community arts projects or volunteer at a local arts venue.

Volunteering or participating in arts events gives you practical insight into how arts organisations operate and the types of roles available. This experience will help you build valuable skills and contacts in the sector, and show commitment on your CV when applying for future opportunities.

Develop Relevant Skills and Qualifications

Study Relevant Subjects

Take courses in subjects such as arts management, business studies, or humanities.

At GCSE or A-level, consider subjects like art, drama, English, or business. For university, degrees in arts management, cultural policy, event management, or business administration are highly relevant. Some arts administrators also have backgrounds in specific art forms paired with management skills.

Gain Administrative Experience

Develop organisational and administrative skills through part-time work or internships.

Look for opportunities to work in administration, even outside the arts sector, such as in offices or customer service. Skills like project management, budgeting, communication, and IT are highly transferable. Internships or work experience placements with arts organisations are particularly valuable.

Start Your Career in Arts Administration

Apply for Entry-Level Roles

Look for junior roles such as Arts Administration Assistant, Events Coordinator, or Marketing Assistant.

Entry-level roles in arts administration can be found at arts venues, festivals, or cultural charities. Use job boards specialising in arts jobs and network through volunteering, internships, and university careers services. Tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills and experience.

Build Your Professional Network

Join professional bodies and attend events in the arts and culture sector.

Organisations like Arts Council England and the Arts Marketing Association offer training and networking events. Building a professional network helps you stay updated on job opportunities and sector trends, supporting your career progression towards more senior roles.

Available Apprenticeships

Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.

Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.

Business Administration Apprenticeship

CLASSIC CARS (UK) LTD

( Added 26 Jul 2022 - 1 position available )

There is opportunity to excel within the business to take on vehicle sales which is a client facing role. The role will involve multiple aspects relating to the motor trade business.

Closing date: in 9 days

Possible start date: 27 Oct 2025

Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship

CLINICAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES LTD

( Added 08 May 2024 - 1 position available )

Are you on the lookout for a career that not only offers rewards but also provides ample opportunities for personal and professional growth? This might be the perfect fit for you! In this dynamic and ever-evolving field, you have the chance to establish yourself, develop a diverse skill set, and experience rapid career progression. Apply Now!

Closing date: in 23 days

Possible start date: 10 Nov 2025

Administrative Assistant Apprentice

Sunrise Nursery

( Added 10 May 2024 - 1 position available )

We are excited to offer an opportunity for an Administrative Assistant Apprentice to join our team and start your journey to develop valuable administrative skills while supporting the operation of our nursery. You will receive hands-on training to ensure your success in providing essential administrative support to our nursery staff and customers.

Closing date: in 23 days

Possible start date: 10 Nov 2025

The Royal Navy - Writer (Submariner) Business Administrator Apprenticeship

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( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 70 positions available )

As the HR Administrator of a Royal Navy submarine, you’ll make an invaluable contribution to the livelihood of your crew, and most importantly, the security of our nation and reputation of the Submarine Service. You’re in charge of assisting Human Resources, handling legal matters, financial admin, and looking after the welfare of your crewmates.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

Compliance and Business Administration Apprentice

ENVAR COMPOSTING LIMITED

( Added 04 Oct 2024 - 1 position available )

The Business Administrative Support Assistant is responsible for overseeing and maintaining compliance with the organisation's Management Systems (MS). This role includes the operation of the administrative systems and their oversight with training to enable development towards implementing and maintaining systems in the long term.

Closing date: in 1 month

Possible start date: 06 Jan 2026

Nursery Administration apprentice

BRIGHT GEMS NURSERY LTD

( Added 25 Nov 2024 - 1 position available )

If you’re organised, motivated, and looking to kickstart your career in business admin, our apprenticeship is the perfect opportunity for you. Gain hands-on experience managing administrative tasks in a nursery environment, whilst developing essential office and communication skills—all while earning in a supportive and rewarding workplace.

Closing date: in 23 days

Possible start date: 10 Nov 2025

Nursery Administration apprentice

SUNRISE EARLY YEARS & CHILDCARE LTD

( Added 25 Nov 2024 - 1 position available )

If you’re organised, motivated, and eager to start your career in business, our apprenticeship is the perfect opportunity for you. Earn while you learn as you gain hands-on experience in office administration, develop essential business skills, and achieve a recognized qualification in business - all within a supportive and professional environment.

Closing date: in 23 days

Possible start date: 10 Nov 2025

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Current Career

Business administrator

Supporting and engaging with different parts of the organisation and interact with internal or external customers.

Advanced Careers

Assistant accountant

Carrying out routine financial activities and support for businesses and organisations of all types and sizes.

Mortgage advisor

Giving clients advice on appropriate mortgages and related protection products such as life insurance or sickness and unemployment insurance.

Improvement practitioner

Identify and lead the delivery of change across organisational functions and processes.

Senior housing and property management

Managing housing or property related services, leading a team and taking responsibility for the cost effectiveness and efficiency of their business area.

Paralegal

Providing legal and administrative support, carrying out research and drafting legal documents and forms.

Chartered manager

Taking responsibility for long-term organisational success, managing people, projects, operations or services.

Associate project manager

Managing project work and teams for businesses and other organisations.

Procurement and supply chain practitioner

Buying the goods and services that enable an organisation to operate.

Team leader

Managing individuals, teams, or projects to meet private, public, or voluntary organisational goals.

Operations manager

Managing teams and projects in line with a private, public, or voluntary organisation's operational or departmental strategy.

Policy officer

Contribute to the development of policy.

Sample Qualifications

Arts administrator and museum curator both require strong organisational skills, knowledge of the arts sector, and experience in managing art-related projects and operations. While their specific roles differ, the core qualifications and responsibilities around coordination and supporting arts institutions are quite similar.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • volunteering
  • applying directly

University

Many arts administrators have a university degree but it's not essential.

Most subjects are useful but you may have an advantage with a degree in:

  • arts management
  • arts administration
  • events and entertainment management
  • business studies

Work experience at university

Employers value experience, knowledge and commitment to art as well as your degree.

You should try to get work experience through volunteering, placements, internships or year in industry schemes. Your university careers service can help you find work experience opportunities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could do a course at college to get some of the skills you need to apply for trainee arts administrator roles.

As well as courses in creative or performing arts, you could also consider subjects like business administration and event management.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could train to become an arts administrator by doing an apprenticeship like:

  • Level 3 Business Administrator Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Level 3 Events Assistant Advanced Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Volunteering

You could develop a network of contacts, volunteer or find temporary work to show employers you're committed to the arts.

You could:

  • help with student or community drama productions or concerts
  • work as a customer assistant at arts centres, cinemas or theatres
  • get involved in community arts festivals and projects

You can search for opportunities near you, with:

Direct Application

You could apply for jobs if you've got experience or qualifications in office administration, fundraising or marketing.

It would also be helpful if you can show you're interested or passionate about art.

More information

You can find more advice about working in the arts through Arts Council England and Creative Lives.

You can also find out about working in the creative industries from Discover Creative Careers.

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