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.

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!

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

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.

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.

The life of a professional dancer is hard. Much of the work is freelance or on short fixed term contracts gained by attending rigorous and fiercely competitive auditions. Hours are long and rehearsals are daily often including weekends. Discipline, motivation and team work are therefore the essential skills of any professional dancer and above all a passion for dance.

To be an employable professional dancer you need to be healthy, strong and able to work hard. Gain as much performance experience as possible and broaden your skill base, work with different teachers and experiment with different dance forms. Dancers work on collaboration projects with other artists; many sing and act as well. Attend live performances and learn about the art form from documentaries, journals and the web.

A role within the heritage sector attracts individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds but the key to getting into the industry is gaining relevant experience. A degree in a relevant subject is an advantage; however volunteering provides invaluable skills for your curriculum vitae and an insight into how the heritage industry operates.

The cultural heritage industry is a profession for candidates who can demonstrate:

• A genuine interest in history (join societies that relate to your field of interest).
• A commitment to cultural heritage.
• An ability to show initiative.
• Excellent communication skills.
• An ability to generate ideas and deliver projects.
• Planning and administration skills.
• Developing outreach activities for the local community and public.
• Preparation and delivery of exhibitions, displays and publications.

Working as an opera singer requires patience, sacrifice and a great deal of hard work. Studying not only includes rehearsal time and singing lessons but also learning foreign languages, music history and stage work. The schedule of travelling between venues can also be exhausting. Opera may be a rewarding profession but perhaps not as glamorous as you might expect.

Competition for positions in reputable orchestras can be intense and advanced musicianship must be demonstrated at auditions. As with any career becoming familiar with the audition/interview process is advantageous, with candidates benefiting from performing in public as much as possible to gain both confidence and experience.

British orchestras often use a trial system and candidates are paid for their contribution during this period. This is the time to prove openness, friendliness and punctuality. The schedule for musicians can be demanding with long hours and short periods of time to learn difficult pieces of new music. This necessitates a disciplined and self-motivated character with great perseverance and stamina.

However the rewards are plentiful in both musical and social terms as equally passionate people with a shared interest surround musicians. The opportunity for travel and touring is also a possible advantage to the job.