How to become an Arts Administrator or Manager

Plans, organises, directs, controls, coordinates and promotes artistic and cultural policies, programs, projects and services.

Main tasks

• Plans and develops artistic and cultural policies and programs
• Organises artistic and cultural events and exhibitions
• Negotiates with artists and performers regarding contracts and agreements
• Collaborates with artists and cultural organisations
• Manages budgets, keeps financial records, and assists with taxation requirements
• Designs, writes and shares marketing materials such as newsletters, social media posts and advertisements

Ways in

• University: Arts & Humanities degrees, Offered by 38 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Live Production and Management Services (CUA60220); Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts (CUA30520); Certificate III in Arts and Cultural Administration (CUA30620); Certificate II in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts (CUA20420); Certificate II in Information and Cultural Services (CUA20520); Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts (CUA40620); Certificate IV in Arts and Cultural Administration (CUA40820); Diploma of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts Industry Work (CUA50620)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $147,940 a year
• About 68,800 people work in this job group now, and about 82,900 are projected by 2035. (+20.4%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Arts Administrator or Manager?

Ways in include: Arts & Humanities degrees; Advanced Diploma of Live Production and Management Services; Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts.

How much does an Arts Administrator or Manager earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $147,940 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Arts Administrator or Manager a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 20% by 2035, from about 68,800 to about 82,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Arts Administrator or Manager?

Usually. 71% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of an Arts Administrator or Manager?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04