Community arts officer

As the arts grow increasingly important as a regeneration tool, local authorities have become major employers of community arts officers. Many councils employ a community arts officer or even small teams dedicated to this role.

Community arts officers are not necessarily creative artists themselves. They will liaise with and support artists who lead community arts groups; get involved in strategy and decision making; source funding opportunities; and signpost others to information.

Did you know?
Peter Hewitt, chief executive of Arts Council England, started his career as an arts officer at North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council.

Facts and Figures

  • Starting salary:

    Between £20-£24,000

  • Senior level salary:

    More than £30,000

  • Education:

    A degree in an art or arts-related subject has become the norm in recent years. In addition some higher education institutes offer specific courses in arts administration.

  • Skills:

    Good communication skills are crucial. Arts officers work on the front line, often in communities characterised by poverty and deprivation. An ability to relate to people and empathise with a varied set of problems and issues is essential. Good organisational skills are also important. Many arts officers are charged with organising large scale cultural events such as carnivals, which involve important negotiations with local services like the police and fire service.

  • Likely employer type:

    Local authorities, Arts Council England, Voluntary Arts Wales, voluntary organisations and primary care trusts

  • Opportunities:

    More than 80 of the 410 local authorities in England and Wales employ community development artists, though the number of employing councils in England has fallen in recent years. There is anecdotal evidence of increased demand from voluntary organisations and other publicly funded bodies.

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