Visual Arts Management

Certificate Overview

The Visual Arts Management certificate program is a total of 12 credit hours and is intended for both working artists who wish to expand their job opportunities, and/or other professionals and business persons interested in how visual arts may be harnessed to advance communities and social structures. In order to support and disseminate the work of visual artists, the certificate prepares students to initiate new art models and work with current organizations and institutions. The required curriculum takes a plural approach to examining the diversity of visual arts and community needs—approaching the field of art and its engagement with public audiences as a diverse ecology with many niches. The program will expose students to the pragmatic financial concerns, governance issues, and legal filings to establish and run organizations that serve the specific needs of varied demographics in both urban and non-urban settings. Alongside pragmatic concerns, students will be engaged in study and discussion of ethical concerns relevant to serving diverse publics and community art interfaces.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to

• Articulate the special needs and concerns of visual arts entities.
• Design innovative strategies for new and established arts organizations.
• Apply for grants and other public funding for visual arts organizations.
• Advocate for and promote individual visual artists as well as communities of artists.
• Manage employees and volunteers associated with visual arts organizations, in addition to coordinating community art endeavors

Opportunities upon Completion

Students will be prepared for positions in a variety of visual arts related positions, such as, management positions in art centers, museums, residencies, galleries, community art organizations, and co-ops. Additional opportunities exist through entrepreneurial endeavors; individual artist promotion and management; and new, student-designed art entities.

Enrollment Eligibility

This certificate is intended for degree-seeking graduate students. Transfer credits may not be applied to the certificate.

Visual Arts Management Certificate Requirements

Admission Requirements:

Admission requires a CV/Resume and a short essay (500 words) outlining the applicant’s background, interest in fine arts, and aspirations in the broad field of Visual Arts. A prior degree in art is not required. Some applicants may be required to meet with a representative from the School of Art + Design.

To Apply & For More Information   

To apply, email your application materials listed above to masrizada@ohio.edu. If you’d like more information on the Visual Arts Management Certificate, reach out to Basil Masri Zada, Assistant Professor of Instruction, Digital Art + Technology, masrizada@ohio.edu.