entertaining your community in local government arts management

 

Introduction

Local government arts officers are involved in the planning, development and delivery of arts events and programmes.  It is their job to contribute to art development initiatives in a local area and widen participation in the arts.
Local government arts officers work in all types of council, but are more likely to be found in metropolitan and county councils.
 

Work Environment

Local government arts officers are office-based, but are also required travel to meetings and events at art venues such as theatres, cinemas, concert halls, galleries, art centres, studios and sometimes museums and libraries.  Some outside working might be required at events such as carnivals and concerts. 

 

Daily Activities

Local government arts officers have a varied role that may include some or all of the following tasks:

• devising, planning, promoting and delivering a programme of arts events and initiatives, which could include concerts, festivals, children’s theatre, exhibitions and so on;
• effectively managing budget arrangements for particular art projects;
• getting involved with fundraising for the arts, including attracting sponsorship and investment;
• encouraging participation from a wide range of audiences in art related projects and events, for example, getting young people involved in dance or drama, or promoting cultural diversity through different awareness raising events;
• organising carnivals and outdoor events;
• developing effective marketing strategies to promote art events and projects;
• providing information and advice to local arts organisations;
• working in partnership with other organisations, such as colleges, dance and theatre groups and so on, to develop and promote the arts locally and regionally.

Skills & Interests

Local government arts officers need:

• to be excellent communicators,
• good marketing skills,
• excellent organisational and project management skills,
• an ability to manage budgets effectively,
• to be creative and innovative thinkers,
• some knowledge of the arts and how they are funded.

 

Entry Requirements

 

Although there are no minimum entry requirements for this area of work, most local government arts officers have an arts of marketing based degree.  However, in some cases arts administration experience is more important.
The Independent Theatre Council provides short training courses in a range of arts related subjects.
N/SVQs and Apprenticeships in Cultural and Creative Skills may be available.
 

Estimated salary range

 

Local government arts officers might expect to earn in the region of £24,000-£30,000.
Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.
 

Future prospects & opportunities

 

Local government arts officers may be able to progress into more senior managerial positions within the arts department.  They may also be able to move into communications, marketing or project management roles within other local council departments such as leisure, tourism or education.
Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Entertaining Your Community.
Further Information & Services

Arts Council www.artscouncil.org.uk

Independent Theatre Council www.itc-arts.org

National Association of Local Government Arts Officers www.nalgao.org

Creative and Cultural Skills www.ccskills.org.uk

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library - under K, MA or O.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government arts officer vacancies in the following places:

 

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers - The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in - ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.