Arts Management: an
introduction to working
in the arts

Arts and Cultural
Management Certificate

Arts and Cultural
Management MA

Arts & Cultural
Management Studies

Programme Team

Contact details

Arts and Cultural Management Studies
At the University of Sussex

MA

Certificate

Short Course

part time learning

Arts Management: an introduction to working in the arts

An introduction to aspects of the management and organisation of theatre, music, dance, visual arts, craft, media and heritage in the region.

Five Wednesdays in May and June


Arts and Cultural Management Certificate

This programme develops a range of skills, knowledge and practical experiences for people currently in the field and others who wish to develop managerial work. It consists of two courses taken over one year:

PRINCIPLES OF ARTS MANAGEMENT – An overview of the contemporary field of arts and cultural activity in the UK. Through seminars led by the course team and presentations from highly experienced people working in the field, we examine issues and responsibilities of arts management and the contexts for art and cultural work. Independent work and group projects complement the class meetings.

FIELDWORK AND RESEARCH – We continue to examine facets of arts and cultural management practices. Students undertake fieldwork: placements, visits, interviews and work-based projects and choose a subject of special interest to investigate.

We meet (on average) every two weeks on Fridays & Saturdays at the University.

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Arts and Cultural Management MA

This degree is for people currently working in the field who wish to enhance their managerial expertise through active learning in a structure which encourages a spirit of enquiry with colleagues and individual plans of study.

Students will usually have a first degree and at least four year’s relevant experience. It consists of five courses, taken over two years:

MAPPING THE FIELD – We explore key concepts & debates in arts & cultural management through topics such as:

  • Prevailing philosophies and paradigms
  • Work contexts, structures and patterns
  • Roles and strategies in a changing political and socio-economic climate

CRITICAL STUDIES OF PRACTICE – Working with contemporary case studies, key themes are further developed. In a fieldwork project, which critically examines practice, you work towards building new models.

NEW DIRECTIONS – We investigate the relationship between aesthetic, ethical and management concerns, cultural policies and practice, emerging issues in regard to change, leadership and governance.

RESEARCH PROJECTS – You undertake independent research on an agreed topic, with supervision. The course will include seminars on current issues, research methods and a meeting to present research in progress.

INDEPENDENT STUDY – A two term course primarily devoted to independent study. You will carry out research on a topic of your choice and write a 20,000 dissertation. Group meetings and tutorials will take place at regular intervals.

We meet (on average) every three weeks on a Friday or Saturday at the University. For the first three courses, one meeting is residential.

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ARTS & CULTURAL MANAGEMENT STUDIES

Overview

The programmes are designed to assist people in developing the appropriate expertise to effectively manage arts and cultural activity.

They are intended for those who are managing and organising in a variety of settings:

  • arts organisations and cultural agencies
  • local authority offices and venues
  • developing independent practice through projects and partnerships
  • developing festivals, projects and events
  • those in work elsewhere but who have a strong interest in arts and culture

The programmes are based on the belief that managing in this field is distinctive. Developing and sustaining arts and cultural enterprise is complex, with a multiplicity of responsibilities, often with diverse partners. Thus, managing in any arts or cultural setting involves a number of key skills:

  • making value judgements
  • working with others – peers and public
  • good personal management
  • prudent management of resources
  • attending to the tasks and issues related to specific contexts and situations

Through seminars, discussions, and individual and group projects we provide opportunities to:

  • strengthen skills and build on past experience
  • pursue specific interests
  • develop a critical, lively approach to work
  • explore new concepts

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Programme Team

The programmes are convened by Dr Janet Summerton. Janet is also a consultant, writer and researcher.

She is assisted by Madeline Hutchins, who is also a consultant, trainer and owner-manager of Services for Arts Management (SAM’s Books)

Primary research interests of the team include:

  • Creativity, management & organisations
  • Designing and developing organisations
  • Developing networks and partnerships
  • Continuous professional development and developing a learning community
  • Cultural policies
  • Arts work in business, education, health and other settings

Others working in the field make invaluable contributions to the programmes through:

  • leading seminars
  • hosting certificate fieldwork
  • assisting students with their research mentoringTo discuss these programmes

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Contact
Janet Summerton 01273 678566
j.summerton@sussex.ac.uk

CENTRE FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION
Education Development Building
University of Sussex
Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RG

01273 678 040
cce@sussex.ac.uk
www.sussex.ac.uk/Units/CCE

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