In the field of art and culture, shows and other cultural projects rest on an essential pillar: the work of administrators. How do you become an administrator of cultural organizations and what does this profession involve? Here is the important information to know about this profession:
Cultural organization administrator: what is it?
Being an administrator of cultural organizations is very interesting today. This profession goes hand in hand with a high-responsibility position, in both the private and public sectors. The administrator is a person in charge of administrative, social, legal and budgetary management within a cultural organization (theater, museum, cinema…). Their main mission is to ensure that the institution’s objectives are achieved within a legal and formal framework. Their know-how and experience are essential to the success of projects.
What Are the Duties of a Cultural Organization Administrator?
Here are the various duties of a cultural organization administrator:
- Overseeing a cultural project;
- Supporting an artist throughout the implementation of a project;
- Drawing up a cash flow plan and anticipating expenses;
- Handling the files and administrative procedures needed to bring a project to life;
- Drafting co-production contracts and assignment contracts;
- Handling regulatory and financial matters;
- Ensuring the safety of employees and volunteers;
- Coordinating and directing teams to ensure harmonious management of human resources;
- Ensuring collaboration that meets standards with the various partners;
- Making sure artistic and technical staff meet standards
- Assessing the organization’s staffing needs.
Qualities Required to Become a Cultural Organization Administrator
To practice the profession of cultural organization administrator, the person must have several qualities. In particular, they must:
- Being a rigorous person;
- Being well organized;
- Being comfortable with numbers;
- Having a good general knowledge;
- Having great stress resistance;
- Being highly available;
- Enjoying contact with people.
In terms of know-how, this type of professional must show strong experience and good technical skill. Here are a few points not to overlook in order to break into this field:
- Mastering the various human, financial, and material resources needed to carry out a project;
- Having an excellent sense of negotiation;
- Knowing all the legal basics of managing a project;
- Having management skills;
- Mastering the various computer tools and accounting software;
- Having a notion of law and taxation.
Fields of Practice of a Cultural Organization Administrator
On permanent or fixed-term contracts, public and private cultural institutions, museums, theater companies, performance venues, and festival organizers use the services of an administrator.
The daily life of a cultural organization administrator is quite busy. In addition to handling the administrative and legal management of projects, they must contribute to budget monitoring. Sometimes, this management professional will also have to organize meetings with teams.
Programs for Becoming an Administrator of Cultural Organizations
Students who want to acquire the skills needed to become an administrator of cultural organizations can train at IESA. The school gives interested students the opportunity to specialize in cultural and event project management. Here are the programs that teach the basics of this profession.
The Professional Master’s in Cultural Project Management
For holders of a Master 1 or a Master 2, this option is recommended. It is a one-year program that helps students prepare for the realities awaiting them in the workplace. This program is also ideal for professionals looking to change careers. During this program, students specialize in managing exhibitions and live performances. They will also learn how to promote heritage and cultural policies. To be admitted to IESA, applicants must send their complete file to the admissions office and then wait for an appointment for a written and oral test.
Good to Know: Financing Your Studies at IESA
Several options will help you fund your orientation and reorientation plans. You can choose them according to the studies you plan to take and your status. Here are the possible options:
- Self-funding;
- Bank partnerships;
- Scholarships.
Employees changing careers can freely use their CPF, or personal training account. For more information on our funding solutions, interested people are invited to contact us by phone or visit our premises in the 11th arrondissement of Paris.
IESA admission requirements
Registration goes through 4 steps:
- Apply via the application form or the online application;
- An admission interview: conducted through an individual interview or an admission session;
- An admissions committee deliberates to admit the student or not;
- An enrollment file to be submitted once the student is admitted.
Upon receipt of the application file, the admissions department contacts the candidate for an admission session or an individual appointment.
IESA’s 3-year Bachelors are intended for students holding a Baccalauréat. Students holding a validated Bac+1 or Bac+2 can join the program in the 2nd or 3rd year through lateral admission procedures.
The 2-year Masters are intended for those with a Bachelor or bachelor’s degree. It is possible to join these programs directly in the 2nd year if you hold a Bac+4.
What Career Progression Is There for a Cultural Organization Administrator?
At a time when the art and culture market is booming, the services of a cultural organization administrator are in greater demand. By gaining enough experience and showing determination, these professionals can apply for even more senior positions. A cultural organization administrator can in particular become the director of an organization in its own right. They can also join a large national theater or find themselves leading a major project.