Arts Administration (AA)

An introduction to the practices and decisions that shape the leadership and management of arts organizations and cultural experiences. Students explore nonprofit, commercial, entrepreneurial and themed entertainment settings, including museums, performing arts organizations, festivals, immersive experiences and cultural attractions. Through current events, case studies, guest practitioners and applied projects, students examine governance, leadership, marketing and audience engagement, philanthropy, finance, technology and organizational decision-making. Students consider how arts workers and leaders bring creative ideas to life while balancing artistic purpose, audience experience and financial sustainability.

Exploration of financial management as a key ingredient to fulfilling the mission of any arts manager and arts organization. Students will learn how to read the story of an organization, program, or campaign embedded in financial reports.  Using case studies and real world challenges, students will examine how financial strategy, budgeting, and reporting can enhance an organization's capacity, clarity, and long-­term health. By the end of the course, students will understand many of the intricacies of financial management as well as how financial management affects all other aspects of arts management.

An examination of the unique role of philanthropy in the history and development of nonprofit arts organizations in the United States. The course will offer perspectives on the complexities of fundraising campaigns, including annual, capital and endowment campaigns, as well as motivators for giving from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies. Featuring guest speakers from the field, the course will engage students in discussions about developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with donors that support the artistic mission of the organization. The importance of board leadership, volunteer and in-kind giving will also be discussed.

Discussion-driven exploration of the museum as a sustainable (and successful) business operation, including the importance of money to mission for museums. Students will gain insight into different types of museums and business models. Topics include trends in the field, membership, earned revenue and fundraising, basic museum finances and operations, and the dramatic effects on museums of changing recreational and engagement patterns by millennials. Designed for students interested in a career in museum work.

Topically organized courses exploring emerging issues, specialized practices and areas of professional interest within arts management at the intermediate level. Topics vary by semester and may address areas such as arts marketing and engagement, philanthropy, museums, governance and leadership, accessibility and inclusion, law and policy, technology, producing, entertainment, organizational strategy or other developments shaping the arts and creative industries.

A supervised, intermediate-level professional internship that enables students to explore careers and apply knowledge and skills developed through their coursework in a professional setting. With faculty sponsorship and organizational supervision, students develop practical skills while contributing to meaningful projects or ongoing work in an arts, cultural or creative organization. Students reflect on their experience, strengthen workplace communication and professional skills, and connect academic learning with professional practice.

An examination of how to engage communities through the arts while raising the profile of artistic work. Students will explore the history of marketing the arts as well as current methods and tools used to communicate and activate the arts for audiences. The course will teach students how to authentically entangle the artistic work of individual artists and organizations into the life of a community while also increasing funding and earned income for the arts.

An introduction to the strategies and skills visual art students need to take their art and hand-made products from studio to the creative marketplace. Students will explore topics such as photographing product, pricing, promoting, and selling. This course is part of the Entrepreneurial Artist Initiative.

An introduction of the basic principles needed for visual artists to combine their creative abilities with strong business practices. Through active participation and an interactive classroom format, students will merge practical business knowledge with insight from local experts in the field to fuel students' entrepreneurial spirit. Students will explore topics including business planning, legal requirements, budgeting, marketing, branding, and networking.

A collaborative leadership experience in which students mentor teams completing the AA 201 Foundations of Arts Management final project. Through coaching, facilitation and reflection, mentors develop transferable leadership skills including active listening, communication, conflict management, meeting facilitation, team development and collaborative decision-making. Particular attention is given to creating inclusive environments in which individuals and teams can do their best work.

An immersive professional experience connecting academic study with the day-to-day work of an arts organization. Students work six to ten hours per week with an organizational partner while participating in a weekly faculty-led seminar focused on professional practice, organizational culture, leadership, problem-solving and reflection. Students contribute to meaningful organizational work while developing professional skills, networks and a deeper understanding of career pathways in the arts. Field placements are limited and students are selected through a competitive application process.

Advanced study of a significant issue, emerging practice or specialized area within arts management. Courses emphasize advanced analysis, professional application and strategic thinking through contemporary cases, research and applied projects. Topics vary and may include leadership and governance, strategy, philanthropy, audience and community engagement, accessibility and inclusion, law and policy, technology, entertainment, organizational change or other developments shaping the arts and creative industries.

An individualized course of study that enables a student to pursue a focused question, area of research or applied project in arts management beyond the program's regular course offerings. The scope, learning goals and final work are developed in consultation with a faculty sponsor.

Individual experience in arts entrepreneurship outside of the regular program offerings of Arts Administration.

Internship at an advanced level for students in the field of arts entrepreneurship. With faculty sponsorship, students may extend their educational experience into such areas as arts marketing, accounting, finance, operations, legal and licensing, contracts, artist management, and small business.

An advanced professional internship that enables students to apply knowledge and skills developed through arts management coursework in a professional setting. Working with faculty sponsorship and an organizational supervisor, students assume meaningful responsibility for projects or ongoing organizational work. Students strengthen professional judgment, problem-solving, communication and leadership while reflecting on their experience and preparing for the transition from undergraduate learning to professional practice in the arts and creative industries.