The Arts Management Certificate, offered by the Arts Extension Service - a national arts service organization located at the UMass campus - provides proof of one’s commitment to the field.  Arts Managers perform the work that is required to bring arts and cultural programs to audiences by organizing programs such as festivals and exhibits, performing arts events and film screenings.   

Our courses will:

• Introduce students to the “business of the arts”
• Provide an overview of the varied careers that arts managers enjoy
• Introduce current issues and trends affecting arts management professionals
• Teach important skills including budgeting, arts marketing, planning, audience  and partnership development, and much more
• Build your arts management portfolio demonstrating completion of semester–long intensive projects such as a 3-Year Fundraising plan for an actual nonprofit arts organization
• Integrate the professional experience of leaders in the field through in-class presentations
• Invite experts including artists/arts managers working on Creative Placemaking, Art for Social Change, or Audience Development projects to join us for week-long online discussions

The Arts Management Certificate could make you stand out to potential employers and arts institutions that are looking for a well-rounded graduate.  For students interested in art history, art, music, dance, film, writing, or theater, an Arts Management Certificate demonstrates a broader understanding of the behind-the-scenes workings of nonprofit arts organizations.   

The Arts Management Certificate requires a total of 15 credits.  The following Core courses (12 credits) provide an adequate basis for understanding and entering the nonprofit arts field:

ARTS-EXT 500 -- Introduction to Arts Management (3 credits)
ARTS-EXT 501 -- Arts Fundraising (3 credits)
ARTS-EXT 502 -- Arts Marketing (3 credits)
ARTS-EXT 504 -- Financial Management in the Arts (3 credits)

Students can then choose from the following courses for their additional 3 or more credits (for a minimum of 15 credits total). The following options allow students to explore their area of interest and develop additional skills:

ARTS-EXT 503 -- Arts Programming (3 credits)
ARTS-EXT 505 -- Strategic Planning (3 credits)
ARTS-EXT 509 -- Greening Your Nonprofit Arts Organization (3 credits)
ARTS-EXT 390P -- Arts and Culture Internship Preparation (3 credits)
ARTS-EXT 391A -- Foundations in Arts Entrepreneurship (3 credits)

The following Arts Extension Service online offerings are open to students through Continuing and Professional Education. These courses are ideal for students studying abroad or completing internships off campus. (Please note that online offerings are not included in regular campus tuition):

ARTS-EXT 390M -- Grantwriting for the Arts (3 credits)
ARTS-EXT 506 -- Arts Education and Policy (3 credits)
ARTS-EXT 507 -- Board Development (3 credits)
ARTS-EXT 508 -- Creative Economy (3 credits)
ARTS-EXT 510 -- Program Evaluation (3 credits)

For more information visit the Arts Extension Service at www.umass.edu/aes