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community arts worker
Community arts workers help local communities to plan, organise and take part in arts activities such as:
- drama
- dance
- mural painting
- photography
- creative writing
- film and video production.
They use the arts to encourage people to:
- identify with, and take pride in, their communities
- learn new skills and develop their potential
- get involved with activities that they would not normally consider or have the opportunity to try
- express their concerns about their communities
- work with others in their communities regardless of age, disability, gender, race or culture
- tackle issues in an enjoyable, non-threatening way.
They mainly work in areas of social, cultural or environmental deprivation in order to improve local quality of life.
Depending on the job, community arts workers may focus on practical creative work and facilitation of projects, or administration and managerial aspects. The work can include:
- supporting existing groups and developing new groups and activities
- working with local community groups to identify local needs and concerns
- creating art work in, for or with the community
- helping community members to develop their own ideas
- leading meetings and training activities
- encouraging people to take part in projects whatever their level of skill or ability
- advising on grants, sponsorship and other sources of funding
- writing funding bids and proposals
- working with other organisations such as health, youth and education services
- generating interest and support from possible funders, arts workers and community members
- publicising activities through the press, local radio, leaflets and posters
- managing projects and ensuring they stay on track
- managing budgets and doing general administration
- evaluating how successful projects have been.
Hours and Environment
Working hours depend on project and community needs. Weekend and evening work is common.
Community arts workers work in a variety of places such as:
- community centres
- libraries
- youth centres
- schools
- prisons
- care homes.
Some events work may be outside, for example carnivals and street theatre.
Skills and Interests
To be a community arts worker you will need:
- a good overall knowledge of the arts
- experience in one or more arts areas
- good communication skills
- organisational ability and be able to work to deadlines
- good project and time management skills
- the ability to raise funds and manage budgets
- political awareness
- to be proactive and creative
- to be enthusiastic and motivated
- to be able to motivate community members and build up their confidence
- to be patient and tolerant.
Entry
For community arts work you will usually need to be qualified and experienced in a specialist area of the arts such as:
- visual arts
- music
- dance
- drama
- music
- creative writing.
Community arts qualifications are available, but they are not essential for getting work. They include:
- Higher National Diploma (HND), foundation degree or degree courses in community arts, offered by a few universities - these combine the study of an art form such as fine art or dance with the theory and principles of community arts
- postgraduate courses in community arts - usually aimed at those who have a qualification in an arts subject.
For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward
To search for colleges and universities offering art and design foundation courses, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
It is important that you have relevant experience, both for getting on to community arts courses and for finding paid work. Voluntary work is a good way of getting experience and making contacts. You can find out about local community arts projects that you might be able to get involved in from:
- the Voluntary Arts Network website
- the Community Arts Forum website (for Northern Ireland)
- the arts officer (or similar job title) at your local council
- the Arts Councils.
Please see the Further Information section of this profile for contact details.
You could also look in local telephone directories or do an Internet search for local community arts organisations.
Training
As a community arts worker you can do training to update and develop your knowledge and skills in areas such as:
- your arts specialism
- management
- marketing and PR
- project management
- securing funding
- new legislation
- health and safety
- child protection.
The Voluntary Arts Network, the Foundation for Community Dance and the Community Arts Forum websites list relevant courses. Please see Further Information for links.
Training is also run by local councils and local community arts organisations.
Opportunities
Employment opportunities include:
- local authorities - many of these employ community arts officers and/or have community arts teams
- theatres, museums and galleries - many have community officers who work with local community groups
- community arts organisations
- freelance work - many community arts workers run projects on a freelance basis or set up initiatives using funding such as the National Lottery.
In local authorities and other organisations there may be prospects for promotion to senior positions. Freelance community arts workers may move on to larger projects with bigger budgets as they gain experience. They might also set up their own organisations.
There might be opportunities to work with arts councils or regional development agencies.
Annual Income
Salaries are likely to start at around £16,000 a year.
More experienced community arts workers could earn from around £20,000 to over £25,000.
Freelance workers often charge a daily rate.
Further information
London
SW1P 3NQ
Tel: 0845 300 6200
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
2 Peacock Lane
Leicester
LE1 5PX
Tel: 0116 251 0516
Back To Arts Crafts and Design Careers
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Site Disclaimer
The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
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