IESA is an international school of art and culture based in Paris since 1985. It offers several types of programs to high school graduates and professionals, including cultural mediation. What is cultural mediation and how do you enter this field? Here is what you need to know:

What Is Cultural Mediation?

Cultural mediation covers many professions whose goals are: ensuring lasting access to culture, diversifying forms of expression and participation in cultural life. It takes place during events in the art and culture sector.

The fields concerned by cultural mediation are very diverse. It appeals to artists and social actors alike. Cultural mediation is generally practiced in schools, cultural institutions, organizations and some private companies. Here are some of the missions of a cultural mediator:

  • Promote a cultural offering;
  • Foster connections between an art object and the public;
  • Act as an intermediary between artists, their works and the general public;
  • Inform and support the various players in the art and culture sector.
Cultural mediation

Careers and Career Opportunities in Cultural Mediation

Cultural mediation opens the door to many professions. The main career path is obviously that of cultural mediator. But there are many others after a 3- or 5-year program in this field:

Discover Careers in Art & Culture

What Is the Salary in the Field of Cultural Mediation?

Entry-level employees of a company can earn up to €1800 gross per month, while those working for a public institution earn a salary of about €1 600 net per month.

Cultural Mediation: Career Progression

With experience, the cultural mediation professional can aim for related positions such as management, production and administration. They can also move into consulting and cultural project development. As for the work environment, the professional can work in both the public and private sectors.

Cultural Mediation Programs

Cultural mediation: post-baccalauréat Bachelor-type programs

To work in the cultural mediation sector, you can take a Bachelor-type program at IESA. The studies last 3 years. Students can choose between several tracks: the Bachelor Cultural Communication, the Bachelor Expertise and Art Trade, the Bachelor Sociocultural Mediation and the Bachelor Cultural Productions and Mediation.

This program is intended for holders of a Baccalauréat. Registration for a session and an admission appointment can be done online. It is also possible to send your application file by email or by mail.

Students holding a bac+1 or a bac+2 can continue their studies immediately without repeating a year. They simply need to fill in the dedicated form, send in their application file and take a direct interview with the program directors.

The program is divided into 5 blocks:

  1. Promotion and communication of a project;
  2. Defining and setting up a cultural project;
  3. Budget management and legal and regulatory administration of a project;
  4. Organizing and implementing the production and distribution of a cultural project.

Cultural Mediation: Post-Bac Master-Level Programs

At IESA, cultural mediation students wishing to earn the Master degree can choose between the following programs:

A Master in cultural mediation has the objective of:

  • Better explain the economics of culture in France;
  • Learn the project methodology applied in the cultural sector;
  • Learn to develop an effective communication and marketing strategy;
  • Better master the financing of a cultural project.

The studies last 2 years. They prepare students for professional integration. To be admitted at this level, a complete application file must be sent by email or by mail. Holders of a Master 1 or an equivalent title can go straight into the Master 2 level.

Professional training in cultural mediation

IESA’s Pro programs are designed for cultural mediation professionals who want to formalize their goals.

The Professional Master program lasts one year. To be admitted, the student can register for an online admission session, download the application file and mail it in, or apply online. Once the application is approved, the candidate only needs to wait for the appointment set by the admissions office.

IESA admission requirements

Registration goes through 4 steps:

  1. Apply via the application form or the online application;
  2. An admission interview: conducted through an individual interview or an admission session;
  3. An admissions committee deliberates to admit the student or not;
  4. 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.