Arts Management | Department of Arts, Culture and Media

Why study Arts Management at UTSC?

The University of Toronto Scarborough is home to the longest-running undergraduate Arts Management program in the country (active since 1984), with an ideal balance of arts and business courses, and a wealth of arts management-specific courses, that continues to be used as a model for other such programs around the world.
Program courses are taught by noted practicing arts managers, leading researchers, award-winning artists, and top professors in the field.
Students can graduate with both a Specialist in Arts Management and a Major or Minor in one of UTSC's highly-regarded programs of Art History, Music, Studio or Theatre within the same four years of study.
High-quality field placements and other experiential education opportunities allow students to gain work experience, connect with people in the field for future employment, and practice and apply what they learn in the classroom for a deeper understanding of the subject.
Every year, graduating students are offered positions in the very organizations in which they completed field placements or research for a course.
Graduates of our program tend to seek out other graduates of our program when they are hiring.
In general, our program graduates are in a position to enter the field at a higher rank and salary than those with more general arts or business degrees – all while doing rewarding work that brings them (and others) meaning and joy.

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Should you have any questions regarding the Arts Management program at the University of Toronto Scarborough, please send us an email.

Faculty

Arts Management FAQ

What will my first year look like?

Students will take VPAA10H3 Introduction to Arts and Media Management, and VPAA12H3 Developing Audience, Resources, and Community in Year 1. In addition, students will also take courses in an artistic discipline of their choice. VPAA10H3 is an introduction to the theories and practices of arts and media management within the not-for-profit, public, and social enterprise sectors. VPAA12H3 introduces students to the work involved in building and sustaining relationships with audiences, funders, and community, and the vital connections between marketing, development, and community engagement in arts and media organizations.

What do I need to know about applying to Arts Management?

Enrolment in the Specialist program is limited and entry is competitive. Admission offers are extended based on the applicants' academic performance, background in one or more of the arts, and potential ability in Arts Management as determined in the introductory courses in the first year of the program. Enrollment in Major program in Arts and Media Management is unlimited and open.

How is a Field Placement Stream different from the Standard Stream under Specialist program in Arts Management?

One of the main differences between a standard stream and field placement stream is the placements. Students in the field placement stream are required to go on two placements of 300 hours each. Targeted professional development workshops are offered throughout the year to ensure that students feel ready to seek a placement position. Further, we offer lots of experiential education opportunities (internships, job shadowing, etc.) targeted to the individual students’ needs, academic specialties, areas of interest and future goals. These are ideal ways for eligible students to gain work experience, connect with people in the field for future employment, and practice and apply what they learn in the classroom for a much deeper understanding of the subject.

Will an Arts Management degree increase my chances of employment in the field?

Graduates from our program have a solid grounding in the knowledge and skills necessary to work in this evolving field and ever-changing environment. Our program allows for many opportunities for students to meet, network with, and learn from people working in the field today - in fact, several our graduates are offered positions in the very organizations where they completed their field placements or research for a course. Program graduates can enter the field at a higher rank and salary than those with general arts or business degree.

Am I able to combine Arts Management with another art program?

Yes. Students in Specialist program are required to collect 6.0 credits from an artistic discipline of their choice (this includes Music & Culture, Theatre and Performance, Art History, and Studio Art). Alternatively, you can pair Major in Arts and Media Management with any other Major/Minor program of your choice.

What kinds of courses are available in the Arts Management program?

The Arts Management program, offered only on the Scarborough campus of the University of Toronto, offers "skills-based" courses (such as marketing, project management, fundraising, etc.) complemented by courses in cultural policy, equity, and diversity, etc. Our students also take some management courses and are provided a strong grounding in at least one arts discipline of their choice (studio art, art history, theatre, or music), thus ensuring that they have an appropriate understanding and appreciation of the art that they will be managing. Our courses are taught by noted practicing arts managers, leading researchers, award-winning artists, and top professors in their field.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

Should you have any questions regarding the Arts Management program at the University of Toronto Scarborough, please send us an email.

How do I apply to this program?

High school students: to find this program on the OUAC website, search under University of Toronto Scarborough (found under the University of Toronto entry) under the category "Visual and Performing Arts, Arts Management & Media" (program code TUC); you will then be able to choose this program under the 'Subject of Major Interest' drop-down menu.

UTSC students: Declare your program on ACORN (see here for details)