Arts Management

Explore the arts and cultural field with partnering arts organizations such as museums, theaters, presenters, funders, and government agencies.

You might act as a consultant, providing valuable work related to the organization’s articulated needs and goals. Or you might act as a researcher and observer, offering data and insights about the organization’s place and operations within the larger arts ecosystem. Work closely with a specific representative of the partnering organization and CBMArts faculty and present your work and findings for feedback and assessment. Some organizations offer a stipend; others do not.

There are several different routes to identifying a partnering organization:

• There may be a proposal through which the organization identifies and details a specific project they need done, or a faculty member might connect you to an organization in which you are particularly interested.
• You may propose a project to an organization (which would need to be accepted).
• In some cases, you can identify a relevant project within an organization with which you are already working so that your work can satisfy both academic and career objectives.
• If you are participating in the Field Impact Fellowship program, it may be possible to craft a project that will satisfy both the Practicum Sequence and fulfill paid work hours.

Practicum Sequence Coursework:
Capstone Management (2 units)
Practicum (4 units)

Research, design, plan, and pitch a new venture for the arts and cultural sector.

Your venture can stand independently of existing arts institutions and businesses, or it can propose innovations for existing organizations. New ventures can be for-profit firms or nonprofit initiatives, or something in between (such as public benefit corporations). Develop comprehensive and persuasive arguments for why your new venture will positively impact the sector and attract the necessary resources and support to get it off the ground.

The culmination of the Entrepreneurship Sequence entails a public-facing pitch showcase, during which students present their new ventures to panels of jurors who have been invited by the students themselves. These jurors, often professionals and leaders from both the arts and startup communities, provide feedback and serve as important contacts in helping turn the ventures into reality.

Entrepreneurship Sequence Coursework:
New Venture Creation (2 units)
Startup Studio (4 units)

Complete your degree requirements with the successful execution of a conventional Master’s thesis.

This thesis will most likely stem from completed coursework that stimulated your curiosity. Master’s theses are primarily research-driven and must contribute new knowledge or understanding to the arts and cultural field. To meet this high standard, you must demonstrate a clear capacity to frame a research question and execute the writing required to make a substantive contribution.

To successfully complete the Thesis Sequence, you will identify a thesis advisor and gain approval for your proposal prior to your final semester of study (or the semester in which you intend to complete the thesis).

Thesis Sequence Coursework:
Independent Study (4-6 units)