Introduction to Arts Management

Changes in cultural policy, arts funding and social structures have led arts organizations to re-examine their actions and practices from a more market-oriented perspective. For instance, in pro-portion to the decline in public subsidies for the arts, private funding has become an increasingly important source of funding. The general position of arts organizations is also changing, and they are increasingly required to demonstrate their impact on society and attractiveness to customers. For this reason, arts managers across the field need to continuously develop their managerial skills and learn how to apply various managerial tools and theories in the field of arts and culture. This 6 ECTS introductory course in arts management is organized by the Department of Arts Management at the Sibelius Academy. The course is designed for students who have experience in and a passion for the arts, and who wish to develop their skills as professional arts managers. The lectures are designed to examine the basic concepts, structures and theories influencing the field of arts management. The course focuses on six main topics:

• Defining Arts Management
• Managing projects and productions in the arts
• Developing interaction with the audiences
• Marketing the arts
• Funding and sponsoring the arts
• Managing strategically in the field of arts

The course is based on lectures, case workshops, visits to organizations and various materials pro-vided during the lectures. Since the interaction and involvement of both students and staff will be emphasized, participants are expected to participate actively in discussions during the lectures, the case workshops and organizational visits. This course is suitable for all students interested in the arts, culture and management, and particularly useful for those students considering a career in the field of arts management. Participants are expected to have some relevant academic and/or work experience in the field of arts management whether in visual arts, performing arts, festivals, or crea-tive industries in general. Students will prepare assignments and a final project based on the topics covered during the course.
 

Please direct any questions concerning the content of this course to the coordinator, Dr. Tanja Vilén, tanja.vilen@siba.fi. Any questions on the general arrangements (accommodation, scholarship, etc.) should be addressed to the Summer School's office at summer-school@helsinki.fi.