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Arts Administrator

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

Arts administrators work behind the scenes in organisations such as theatres, museums, galleries, and music venues. Their main role is to ensure that these establishments run smoothly, dealing with everything from organising events and exhibitions to managing budgets and securing funding. They often handle marketing, coordinate with artists and performers, and oversee the day-to-day operations of arts projects and venues. This career requires strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills, and often involves collaborating with creative professionals and the public. Arts administrators play a crucial role in supporting the UK's vibrant cultural sector and helping bring arts experiences to communities.

Arts Administrator

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for an arts administrator in the UK ranges from £20,000 to £35,000 per year, with experienced managers earning up to £50,000 in larger organisations.

Job Availability

There are approximately 17,000 arts administration roles across the UK, with opportunities most concentrated in major cities such as London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

Growth Rate

The UK creative industries, including arts administration, have grown by more than 5 percent each year since 2015, supporting demand for skilled administrators.

🚀 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 Company Administrator

Handles the administrative tasks for a theatre company, such as coordinating performances, managing bookings, and supporting marketing efforts.

Music Festival Coordinator

Plans and organises music festivals, managing logistics, liaising with performers, and ensuring smooth event delivery.

Explore Arts and Cultural Organisations

Research Arts Organisations

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

Visit local arts venues, look at their websites, and read about what they do. Try to understand the kind of work they are involved in, their audiences, and how they operate. This will help you decide which area of the arts you are most interested in.

Take Part in Arts Activities

Get involved in school or community arts projects, such as volunteering at a local gallery or helping with theatre productions.

Hands-on experience will help you understand how arts projects are organised and what skills are needed. Volunteering is also a great way to make connections and show your commitment to the arts.

Gain Relevant Qualifications and Skills

Study Relevant Subjects

Consider taking A-levels or equivalent qualifications in subjects like arts, drama, music, business, or English.

A degree is not always essential, but many arts administrators have higher education in arts management, business, or a related field. Some universities offer specific courses in arts administration or cultural management.

Develop Key Skills

Build skills in organisation, communication, teamwork, and IT.

Arts administrators need to be organised, good at problem-solving, and able to communicate clearly with a variety of people. Consider joining clubs or groups where you can practise these skills, such as student councils or event planning committees.

Build Professional Experience

Apply for Internships or Entry-Level Roles

Look for internships, apprenticeships, or assistant roles in arts or cultural organisations.

Many organisations offer short-term placements or volunteering opportunities. These roles are an excellent way to learn on the job, gain references, and make industry contacts. Typical entry-level positions include arts assistant, project coordinator, or administrative assistant.

Network and Join Professional Bodies

Attend industry events and consider joining professional associations such as the Arts Marketing Association.

Networking can help you find out about job opportunities and keep up to date with industry trends. Professional bodies often offer training, job listings, and networking events tailored to arts administrators.

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

The Royal Navy - Writer (Submariner) Business Administrator Apprenticeship

Royal Navy

( 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

The role of Arts administrator directly matches the original job title as both involve managing and coordinating arts-related activities, programmes, or organisations. They require skills in project management, organisational planning, and liaising with artists, stakeholders, and the public within cultural or arts sectors.

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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