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Are you creative? Are you inspired by collaborating with other creative minds? Do you value design and innovation? If so, then a career in the arts may be for you.

Pursuing a career in the arts requires creativity and persistence. The path isn’t usually clear-cut, but you will be able to shape your own career.

Fiona working on a garnment
Fiona Adjei Boateng ’19 interned with Danielle Brown, a fashion household name in Ghana, that produces African-inspired contemporary pieces.

Explore Careers

The liberal arts provide the most solid foundation upon which to build a career in architecture. Nearly every ´ó·¢²ÊƱ course of study — art, history, environmental science, art history, mathematics, language, sociology, anthropology, computer science, to name just a few — informs the field of architecture. Architects’ work addresses the past (historic preservation) and the future (sustainability), while confronting present-day design needs in the civic and private spheres. After ´ó·¢²ÊƱ, the next step, education-wise, is an M.Arch: a three-year program for those who hold undergraduate degrees in disciplines other than architecture (to explore graduate programs, check out ). Lastly, consider abroad experiences to immerse yourself further in the field. The is a great resource to learn more about the field of architecture.

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Arts administrators run the business side of nonprofit arts organizations. They are committed to sustaining the arts and are involved in many roles: event planner, marketer, public relations specialist, fundraiser, and educator. They run arts councils, festivals, theaters, museums, galleries, dance companies, media centers, performing arts centers, opera companies, and more.

Within arts administration, you can combine a passion for the arts with your skillset. For example, if you have an interest in law or policy, consider working with a nonprofit arts organization on the law and compliance team. Interested in marketing? Consider working on marketing and promotion materials with an arts organization. For more information, visit .

Teaching Art

Art teachers provide art education in public or private schools, institutions of higher learning, community centers, or even human service organizations. Although teaching in a public K-12 school will require a teaching certificate, this may not be the case in private K-12 settings, college continuing education programs, museum education departments, community arts centers, or even service organizations focused on youth or community outreach. Teaching at a college or similar institution usually requires an MFA, but sometimes artist educators are hired based on their exhibition record or artistic merits. Art teachers often have a specific focus area including but not limited to ceramics, textiles, painting, sculpture, and drawing. Visit  for more information on the industry.

Museum or Gallery Technician

A museum or gallery technician may perform various duties depending on the scope of the position and the needs of the organization. Generally, the role involves preparing, installing, uninstalling, restoring, and maintaining art objects in various media. Other similar titles may be art handler, registrar, conservator, preparator, or archivist. These positions usually require a combination of experience handling artwork and a bachelor’s degree in fine arts or museum studies coursework. Depending on the requirements of the position, an advanced degree may also be necessary. Visit the to stay up-to-date on current events or to learn more about the field.

Curator

A curator generally oversees and manages a collection, conducts research, makes recommendations for acquisitions, selects for exhibition artists and artwork, and often initiates the publication of supportive materials. Exact roles depend on the size and focus of the organization. At smaller organizations, curators may oversee an entire collection, while curators at larger organizations may specialize in a specific discipline or period. It is important for curators to develop communication skills as they are constantly communicating with various stakeholders. Generally, an MA or PhD is preferred for these roles, but smaller institutions may only require a bachelor's degree.

Commissioned Art

Some artists make a living by creating work on commission, often being hired to create a specific