Master of Arts Degree in Arts Administration

A combination of roles as entrepreneur, intellectual, artist, manager, social worker, and politician requires an arts manager to have multiple skills. There is an ever-increasing need for professional arts managers due to the enormous growth in arts companies and organisations in New Zealand over the last 20 years. Traditionally, arts managers fall into one of two categories – those with business backgrounds and those who are, or have been, artists and wish to further develop their business skills.

The Whitecliffe Master of Arts in Arts Administration (MAAA) degree provides a much needed bridge between arts and commerce. The programme will develop your theoretical knowledge and professional skills from the perspective of the arts and is directed towards people with interests in areas such as theatre, film, visual arts, dance, galleries, community arts, and council or government arts organisations.

The programme involves independent study courses, industry case studies, field-based internships, and written independent research projects. During the first three semesters, you complete six compulsory courses. In your fourth semester you select a self-directed research elective. Intensive weekend seminars bring students on campus regularly over the two years, and include a range of high calibre industry guest speakers. As well as attending seminars you are expected to do a substantial amount of independent course work.

Students often continue in employment, keeping in touch with lecturers and fellow students through online communication; therefore computer and internet access is essential.