Arts Managers perform the work that is required to bring the arts and cultural programs to audiences, organizing programs such as festivals and exhibits, performing arts events and film screenings.  This course will introduce you to the "business of the arts," providing you with an overview of the careers in arts management, the types of work that arts managers do, and the current issues and trends now affecting arts management professionals.

This course is designed for individuals who are new to the field of arts management, are considering an arts management career, or are interested in arts management principles for the purposes of starting one's own nonprofit.  This course is a requirement for all students joining the Arts Management program who have no prior experience in the field. View sample syllabus here.

Recent statistics show that while most nonprofit arts organizations will earn half their income, the rest of the money it will take to sustain their operations must be raised from individual donors and grants. Other than earned income, the largest source of revenue for arts organizations continues to be individual donors. Now, more than ever, it is essential for arts managers to know how to develop and implement an effective fundraising program that draws its strength from a variety of sources, and focuses on building relationships as its foundation.

This course will present the principles and methods of raising funds for nonprofit arts organizations from individuals, business, government agencies and foundations. Practical assignments will focus on identifying potential sources, positioning the organization for fundraising, and developing effective strategies for acquiring funds. The course will culminate in the development of a fundraising action plan for your own nonprofit or a case study organization of your choosing. If interested in taking a course a la carte, contact AES about waiving the prerequisite.  View sample syllabus here.

Marketing is the most important tool to build awareness of your programs and services, and—if properly planned—can help you to reach new audiences and cultivate loyalty in your current audiences. This course will introduce you to the fundamentals of marketing for arts and cultural programs. You will learn basic marketing concepts, such as understanding the marketing mix, utilizing environmental analysis, developing positioning statements and branding an organization to help you formulate effective marketing strategies. Emphasis will be placed on understanding audiences and building participation in your programs and services.

Assignments will culminate in the development of a marketing plan for your own nonprofit or a case study organization of your choosing. This course is designed for individuals with all levels of marketing experience in arts organizations and nonprofit agencies. If interested in taking a course a la carte, contact AES about waiving the prerequisite. View sample syllabus here.

The Creative Economy and Placemaking has proven itself to be a powerful force where the arts are increasingly recognized as a valued community resource with the potential to stimulate economic growth and build social capital. It is important to understand the possibilities as well as the pitfalls. This class will demystify the term, uncover why the creative economy is a major force in stimulating communities across the country, and explore how each is unique. You will examine the key assets in your community; determine its creative and culture strengths and potential; discuss the important role in establishing and building lasting partnerships with artists, business leaders and government officials; strategize on how to attract investment and diversify an economy; learn to build social capital, and much more. Course participants will leave with a Creative Economy and Placemaking plan unique to your community.

All course work is applied to a community, not a single organization. This course requires the purchase of one book in addition to the Fundamentals text. If interested in taking a course a la carte, contact AES about waiving the prerequisite. View sample syllabus here.

This course is designed as a primer in arts entrepreneurship and explore creating your own artist-based business. Students will examine the breadth of professional opportunities and explore strategies for pursuing them. Students will construct a personal mission statement, build an individualized portfolio of materials appropriate for professional development purposes, and begin a journal to formulate, collect, and grow creative venture ideas. Topics will include creative visioning, an introduction to the for-profit and non-profit economies, budgeting and relevant arts policy. Note: *This course does not count towards the online Core Certificate in Arts Management. It does count towards the Campus and online Professional Certificates. If interested in taking a course a la carte, contact AES about waiving the prerequisite.  View sample syllabus here.