Bishop's University

B.A. Arts Administration

Arts Administration is a complicated and exacting profession that requires both a deep understanding of the arts and a solid business background. In this exciting program, students take core courses in Business and in an area within the Humanities (Drama, Fine Arts, Film Studies, History or Music), and also explore all aspects of Arts Administration for Non-Profit art organizations and their various interactions with the public and private sectors. The aim of this program of study is to provide graduates with the knowledge to set up a successful arts organization and maintain it as a sustainable and viable entity.

At the end of their program, all students are required to undertake an internship with an arts organization of their choice, arranged by the Programme Director. This organization can be located anywhere in the world, and often opens doors to future employment.

Program Highlights

• A Program Director with extensive professional links in the Arts community across Canada and internationally.
• An internship is a requirement for all Arts Administration students. This provides work experience with a local or international cultural organization.
• Employment possibilities on campus through paid student internships in Centennial Theatre, The Foreman Art Gallery, and Music Chez Nous Concert Series.
• Possibility of completing a double major, in Arts Administration plus a second discipline, either in the Arts or in Business.

Class Size

At Bishop’s University, the average class size is 23 students!

Where can this lead me?

Our Graduates Have Pursued Careers In:

• Community and regional performance halls
• Professional musical ensembles and entertainment companies
• Advertising agencies
• Festival Management
• Recording studios and related music businesses
• National museums
• Art galleries
• Art co-ops for both public and private sector

Courses & Programs

Degree Options: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Major in Arts Administration - 90 credits, composed of:

• Business - 30 credits
• Drama or Fine Arts or Music or Film Studies or History - 30 credits
• Arts Administration - 12 credits
• Open Electives - 18 credits

Popular Courses

• Arts Administration: Internal Operations, The External and Legal Environment
• Business: Organizational Behaviour, Marketing Management
• Fine arts: Museology, Canadian Art
• Drama: Contemporary Canadian Drama, Intro to Technical Theatre
• Music: Canadian Music, Choral Ensemble

This 90-credit interdisciplinary program combines the study of business, creative arts, humanities and arts administration to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to participate in the business and organizational areas of the cultural sector. Students normally begin the program with core courses in Business and one of the creative arts (Film Studies, History, Drama, Fine Arts or Music). As they proceed with their core options they undertake the 12 required credits in Arts Administration.

Towards the end of the program, students will enroll in the practicum, AAD 353, and will be placed in a cultural venue consistent with their disciplinary focus. In addition to the practicum course, there are several opportunities for internship employment on campus in the Centennial Theatre, the University Gallery, the Music Chez Nous Concert Series, the Eastern Townships Resource Centre and other campus-based professional organisations.