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Your Future in Arts: Career Options for Non-Performers

o you have a passion for theater but a horrible case of stage fright? Love music but can’t carry a tune with a bucket? Do you want the arts in your life after high school, but aren’t quite sold yet on the idea of the so-called starving artist? If so, then this is the list for you!

We know that sometimes it feels like the only jobs out there are for the hyper-talented, high-profile performers and visual artists. However, there are actually hundreds of careers that touch the arts directly that aren’t necessarily based in performance or raw artistic skill. If you’re looking for a career in music, theater, dance or more, there’s probably more options out there than you think.

Check out the career options below, and reach out to the programs in this guide for an inside look at all the different art careers that await you!

ART CONSERVATIONIST

Art conservationists focus their work on the discovery, repair, storage and preservation of art and other objects of cultural heritage or significance. Picture someone carefully handling and cleaning an ancient document. Requiring a

unique and well-rounded skill set (significant experience in archeology, chemistry and history are almost always required) an art conservationist can work in a number of different environments. Museums, libraries and college archives are just a few.

ART HISTORIAN

An art history degree is a perfect option for students who have a love and appreciation for the visual arts but may not possess the technical ability to create their own art on a professional level. If you choose this career path you can learn about all the different artistic movements throughout history and how to identify pieces from each period. You’ll also gain an incredible appreciation for art in all its different forms. Specific careers in art history include teachers, gallery owners and museum curators.

BOOKING AGENT

Booking agents are an integral part of the entertainment industry, working with a number of other professionals to ensure that deadlines are met, contracts are signed, and new talent is discovered. Booking agents oversee everything from the fee a musician is paid to the cost of the lighting on the stage. If you’re looking to make a career as a booking agent, it’s recommended you pursue a degree in business, marketing, or arts administration. ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST

Arts and entertainment journalists are a vital part of the arts ecosystem, and pursuing a career in arts journalism is a great way to keep the arts in your life after high school or college. An entertainment journalist’s responsibilities include writing reviews, publishing advertisements and interviewing performers and celebrities. Arts journalists normally get a front-row seat to the action too, receiving press tickets to live events or pre-release copies of movies, games or other media. If you’re interested in being an arts and entertainment writer, a career in journalism is a great place to start.

GRANT WRITER

Many artistic organizations operate as nonprofits, which means they’re regularly looking for funding from various sources. To secure this funding, most artistic organizations hire a grant-writer, a business professional whose sole duty it is to fill out applications seeking financial support. Grantwriting is different at every organization — sometimes it involves writing a few quick paragraphs and other times thousands of words answering specific prompts are needed. Either way though, if you’re looking to make your mark in the world of arts nonprofits, grant writing can be a great opportunity.

Awards and scholarships for creative teens

Enter at artandwriting.org