The Arts Management program at SUNY Potsdam is an academic discipline which examines professional principles and practices of creative arts organizations and practitioners to develop students as innovative managerial leaders in the arts. An interdisciplinary study combines traditional business and communications administration with arts management, establishing cross-curricular connections which develop students as informed and practiced managers for the 21st century. A focus is placed upon preparing students for arts entrepreneurship and in support of pre-professional artists in the development of their creative careers. In collaborative classroom environments students analyze the ways new media and technologies can enhance communication within, and improve the design of, arts institutions. Analysis of current trends and public policies includes the ways placemaking and creative economic development initiatives can deepen the impact of the arts in communities. Internship and practicum experiences extend student understanding through placements in the day-to-day operations of reputable local, regional, and national arts and cultural organizations. Finally, to support the importance of aesthetic appreciation and knowledge of the artistic process in managers, arts management students are required to minor or major in one of the creative arts disciplines offered at the college. Career possibilities include work in/as: artist entrepreneur, multidisciplinary arts organizations, government and community service institutions, foundations, and the entertainment industry.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Arts Management B.A. students will be able to:

   • analyze basic financial policies and procedures for arts institutions and create a budget (income, expenses) for an arts based project.
   • create a marketing plan and design and distribute basic materials which demonstrate best practice promotional strategies for arts organizations.
   • design effective grant and fundraising proposals (individual, corporate sponsorships).
   • examine the types and organizational structures of arts institutions and the practices of managerial leadership applied working in the day-to-day operations of these businesses.