How do you go about getting an arts job?
Good question. I’m afraid there really isn’t a bulletproof answer. There’s a huge array of websites and specialist journals available. In essence you have to be organised, persistent and curious. Maybe you have seen an arts job advertised but don’t have the relevant experience. Don’t let that stop you. Have a look at their website and do a bit of research. Are they looking for volunteers to help out? Is it an organisation you’d like to work for? If so, send a speculative email, that’s courteous and addressed correctly. Once you get into the habit of what works for you repeat the formula and eventually you’ll get your break.

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Is it worth accepting an internship?
In recent times this has been the subject of much debate. The main issue being that the company expect the intern to do everything a paid employee does without receiving a salary. That said, there are extremely good internships out there with leads and contacts that you will find invaluable in a network driven industry.

If you’re unable to get on an arts internship programme all is not lost but you’ll need to think a little more creatively. Find out where the hangouts are for your sector and begin to network or as we say in the business “work the room”. Ultimately your success may just come down to timing and lady luck, that’s the nature of this business. Nobody said it was easy to get into!

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Arts admin Jobs
As you probably already know, there are too many of you chasing too few jobs and arts administration is no exception. Instead why not consider applying for an arts administration internship? These vacancies are occasionally advertised but a speculative enquiry with potential employers is definitely worth your while.

Job role
Day to day work varies but arts administrators main role is to organise cultural activities. Good organisational skills are obvious but you also need to be internet savvy and have a good understanding of social media.

Here are just a few pointers:

• Carrying out general arts admin jobs
• Negotiating sponsorship and funding
• Organising publicity
• Organising recruitment
• Updating websites and social media

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The job role of museum or gallery curator depends on the size of the institution and whether they are working as part of a larger team but they are responsible for acquiring, identifying, cataloguing and displaying a collection of objects to inform and interest the public.

The ability to provide information and communicate clearly is an essential skill as the museum curator is responsible for creating innovate exhibitions presented in an appealing way, producing accessible information to accompany displays, answering visitor’s questions and attracting visitors to view the exhibitions.

Competition for vacancies within this job field is getting more competitive. A good honours degree is the minimum entry requirement therefore evidence of practical experience is often sought by recruiters. The majority of museums take on volunteers; this provides the opportunity for candidates to gain a real understanding of how the industry works.

As you are probably aware, London is the predominant centre for museum jobs; that said Manchester, Birmingham, Gateshead and Leeds have vibrant and popular art gallery scenes. For those north of the border, Edinburgh and Glasgow are the cultural hotspots to target for Scottish museum vacancies.

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Irrespective of the area that textile designers choose they need to be innovative, resourceful and creative. The ability to demonstrate various craft and production techniques for example embroidery, block printing and hand painting is advantageous. Moreover they must be technically skilled with a good understanding of textile properties and manufacturing processes.

An eye for colour and pattern is essential. A key component of the job whether working freelance or for a textile design company is researching ideas and experimenting with both colour and texture as the industry moves in line with both fashion and global trends.

Competition for vacancies can be intense but there are no minimum qualifications required for entry into the business. Many entrants do have a degree in fashion or textiles; however promotion is possible for those who start their careers as machinists or cutters.

Undertaking relevant work experience is advantageous and provides the opportunity to build up contacts. Reading industry publications and attending trade shows will similarly keep potential candidates up to date with the latest trends that employers will expect to see in their portfolios.

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Larger galleries employ marketing officers who are responsible for promoting the profile of the gallery, producing press releases and gaining coverage in the local and national media. Information officers are employed front of house to help visitors to the gallery by providing information about current and forthcoming exhibitions. Larger galleries also employ education officers responsible for liaising with schools and community groups. Developing education programmes and producing packs for teachers fall within the remit of this post. Curators or exhibition officers are responsible for managing the collections of artworks and creating clear and attractive exhibitions to enhance the visitor experience.

A genuine interest in the arts is advantageous if you want to work in a gallery. There is not one specific route to gaining employment in a gallery; specialist courses are available and informal training is offered by some galleries. Voluntary work or placements are an alternative avenue to follow to gain the relevant experience.

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Organisation is a key skill for those in jewellery design; when presenting your pieces of works and documenting your thought processes and ideas. You will learn many skills and appreciate the time and effort needed to create beautiful artworks. For those wishing to become trained and qualified it would be good to research your opportunities, and to develop practical networking skills to allow you to become flexible and also to address the business aspect of being creative.

Jewellery designers design, style and produce jewellery in a variety of materials including silver, gold, platinum and other precious metals. Over the last few years the fashion industry has promoted plastic beaded jewellery
for its new age appeal and has been a permanent fixture on many a celebrity’s wrist. The days of bling are not numbered moreover we are seeing a fusion of natural materials with precious metals.

Jewellery design jobs
Many jewellery designers are self-employed and tend to produce their jewellery to order either working from home or renting affordable studio spaces with other jewellery designers.

Independent bespoke retailers
Specialist independent jewellers do hire designers to create a range of designs. This can range from traditional bangles and necklaces to one off pieces. More commonly the work of a designer revolves around customising and adjusting jewellery which is the bread and butter of many retail outlets.

Sell your own jewellery
For those of you who fancy the entrepreneurial route there are lots of opportunities available including:

• Become a bespoke jewellery designer. Clients will commission you to produce one off or limited runs of your designs.
• Sell your jewellery designs at craft fairs and arts exhibitions. This is a great way to network and exhibit your work.
• Become a jewellery design teacher. You could offer one-day courses in jewellery making e.g. produce a simple ring that the students can take home.
• Open a retail outlet. Sell and promote yours and other jewellery designers work in your very own shop. Many arts centres have small craft shops run by designers selling bespoke jewellery which appeals to the gallery visiting crowd.

Becoming a successful jewellery designer is not built on talent alone. You’ll need to become a slick marketeer and have an intuitive sense of what people are prepared to wear and pay for.

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Required to work in a variety of settings, professional makeup artists are required to have confidence in their own abilities. By possessing as many skills as possible individuals have the best chance of being hired as experience can be more important than qualifications in this industry. Becoming a makeup artist requires a strong creative imagination. A keen eye for detail is also needed to be able to design elaborate make up and wigs for costume dramas and film productions requiring special effects.

The demands on make up artists can be intense, fulfilling the requirements of directors, the wardrobe department and lighting designers. The hours are long and irregular with days starting long before filming commences and make up artists can’t leave until a project is completed.

Major employers of make up artists include television companies and film studios; however the majority of artists work on a freelance basis being employed for one off projects. A strong portfolio and evidence of work experience is expected by prospective employers. Working back stage at amateur dramatic productions or shadowing an experienced make up artistic will provide an insight of how the industry works and allow you to start to build up a network of contacts.

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Specialist positions in event management, for example sound, lighting and staging are filled by experienced crews who return year on year to festivals. However some work placement positions are usually available – remember working at any festival is about gaining experience!

The range of seasonal jobs available at festival sites are incredibly varied including stewards, bar workers, litter pickers and camp wardens, however don’t expect to be paid a fortune. Many positions are also voluntary when stewards work for their tickets to the festival; a great way to enjoy the fun and secure a safe place to camp.

Festival jobs can involve longs hours but the positions are often interesting and rewarding as well as being great fun! But, plan early to beat the competition and increase your chance of being accepted. Contact festival organisers directly, search for event contractors and sell yourself as being friendly, reliable and physically fit as the work involves being on your feet for much of the time.

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The passion to be creative must be balanced against the uncertainty of many positions within the performing arts. Performing artists are often on short term contracts and the hours are often irregular and include late nights. Most performance jobs are located in large cities close to theatres and studio venues.

Performing Arts Courses
Nearly all successful performers have trained at dance school or attended performing arts courses at college. However qualifications are not as essential as experience, usually involving working on a voluntary basis initially, and a network of contacts. Performing arts grants and scholarships may be available for those who show exceptional talent. Contact the various dance colleges and academies to see if they have a scholarship programme.

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