The Art of Arts Management: Helpful Hints
Arts Management has many nuances that “regular” management does not. If you are new to the field of arts management, there are several things to keep in mind. I cover a few topics that I find to be some of the most important in this field.
Art Is Personal
Art, by nature, is very personal, meaning artists can become very attached to their work. This means it can be hard convincing them to make changes. When modifications need to be made, as a manager you should make it clear why the changes are necessary. It is also important to state that the modifications are not a reflection of the quality of the work, rather they are needed due to the nature of the budget or resources available.
Authoritative Style
One of the biggest things to keep in mind when working in the field of Arts Management is the various personalities of artists. In each art field, these personalities can vary significantly. Opera singers are very different from actors and both are different from dancers and visual artists. Learning about the different personalities of the people you are working with can help with communication and it can help your team work more efficiently together.
Nothing Ever Goes As Planned
I know this sounds like a given, but with the arts, this is slightly different. There are many quick decisions that have to be made if something goes wrong. For example, if the stage at a venue is much smaller than planned, several adjustments will have to be made. Some equipment might have to be left off the stage and the setup of the performers may need to be adjusted.
These are only a few things that encompass the Art of Arts Management. What do you find most important in arts management?