MA Arts Management
Course Overview
One or Two Years
The MA Arts Management programme has been
designed to provide a comprehensive grounding in the broad
range of skills necessary for the effective management of arts
organisations. Its delivered by a team of experienced arts
practitioners alongside guest lectures from a number of high
profile arts organisations throughout the UK.
The programme is available as a one year
programme, or as a two-year part time programme, which involves one
day a week at RWCMD.
The one-year programme runs from
September to the end of May as a series of taught modules with
a four-six week work placement in February/ March. Students
then complete a business and marketing plans between the end
of May and the end of July. During this period
there are regular tutorials with relevant academic staff.
The two-year pathway involves attending the
college on one day a week, which means that it is possible to
complete the programme whilst in relevant employment.
Assessment is then based on the
student's ongoing work rather than a work
placement.
The spring of 2011 will see the
opening of a £22.5 million development, transforming
the college - Wales's national conservatoire - into a
leading performing arts venue. The venue will attract artists from
around the world and provide arts management students with
opportunities to be involved in managing a wide range of public
events. The college also has well-established
relationships with a number of arts organisations in Cardiff and
throughout the UK, which have given rise to further
placement opportunities.
Course Details
In an initial series of
seminars, students explore the wide political and economic
context in which arts organisations operate, focussing particularly
on those in receipt of public funding. They examine the
function of the arts and cultural activity in society, looking at
cultural policy and state patronage of the arts since
1945.
The programme also develops essential
administrative and financial skills through classes covering topics
such as artistic policy, board management, sources of funding and
sponsorship, project budgeting, cash-flow analysis, basic
book-keeping, marketing and public
liability.
Further classes in employment law, contract
law, intellectual copyright, health and safety and risk
assessment help students develop an understanding of the
processes involved in planning and managing arts organisations,
outdoor events and tours. Venue management classes include
work-based experience within the Marketing, Events and Development
departments of the College.
Education and community work is now an
important part of the work of most arts organisations
and students will learn about the education system and the
National Curriculum in England and Wales as well as best practice
policies relating to working with people with
disabilities. They will also gain an understanding of
important issues relating to cultural diversity.
In addition to the specific skills relating to
arts management, there is training in a range of
transferable skills such as interview techniques, public speaking,
effective negotiation, time management, desktop publishing, web
design and other IT tools.
Over the duration of the course, students
will be required to submit a number of written assignments for
assessment including proposals, funding applications, marketing and
business plans