AS Communication and Culture

Art therapist > will work with people of all ages and backgrounds presenting social, psychological and physical difficulties. Art therapy encourages clients to express emotion and explore their problems using a wide range of art materials, enabling positive change and personal growth. Art therapy differs from other psychological therapies in that it is a three-way process between client, therapist and the art produced. A registered art therapist or art psychotherapist will have undertaken approved training at postgraduate, MA or MSc level and be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) (a legal requirement in order to practise in the UK).

Art/antiques dealers > buy and sell art and antiques, usually specialising in one or more of the following areas: ceramics, glass, paintings, sculpture, clocks, books. The role varies depending on the size of the company: whilst there are a number of large businesses that employ 30 - 40 staff, often with international offices, the majority will work in very small teams. Typical work activities include: representing artists whose work the dealer sells (primary market), buying from auctions and private sales (secondary market), establishing and maintaining a network of contacts, visiting salesrooms and auction houses, dealing with customers, undertaking accounting and administration duties, carrying out minor restoration work. This is a competitive and highly commercial industry, with the majority of roles based in family businesses. To get started as a dealer, considerable capital is needed. People commonly enter the business as a second career, later in life, having acquired the necessary expertise and financial backing.

Museum/gallery conservators > care for cultural collections by applying scientific methods to investigate the preservation of objects. They carry out preventative conservation (monitoring and controlling the environment in which collections are stored or displayed) and remedial conservation (stabilising and restoring individual objects). Some develop new treatment regimes. Some conservators are generalists, applying conservation techniques to a range of objects, while others specialise in any one of the following areas: archaeology; ceramics and glass; ethnography; furniture and wood; gilding and decorative surfaces; historic interiors; metals; paintings; photographic materials; stained glass; stone and wall paintings; textiles. Conservators may also manage laboratories or have individual research interests.

Arts administrator > provides support for events run by arts and cultural organisations such as theatres, galleries, museums, arts festivals, arts centres, arts councils, regional arts boards, dance companies, community arts organisations, disability arts organisations and local authorities. An administrator in a small organisation may perform a variety of functions ranging from marketing and booking to finance and insurance matters. Larger organisations usually have separate departments in specific administrative areas such as programming, front of house management, public relations, marketing, education and sponsorship. Experienced arts administrators may provide consultative support at managerial levels.

Arts agent/promoter > often specialises in particular aspects of the arts business and functions as the marketing and selling arm of the artist, working proactively to enhance the artist's career. Agents work with a wide range of clients, which might include actors, dancers, singers, presenters and extras or walk-on artists. Some agents specialise in particular areas of performance or client groups, for example circus skills performers, stunt artists or lookalikes. Typical work activities include: participating in negotiations concerning contracts and business matters affecting clients' interests, negotiating contracts and financial fees for performances, managing business details of tours and performance, representing the client when handling fan mail, telephone enquiries, and requests for personal appearances. Some aspiring agents/promoters may learn their trade by managing their own performing career initially, or helping friends get off the ground. However, most would gain experience in a variety of arts administration or other commercial jobs before setting up their own licensed agency from the outset.

Bookseller > The main role of a bookseller is to sell books. A successful bookseller is able to work with a variety of customers, helping them locate what they are looking for, and offering advice on other products available. The work is largely based on the shop floor. Booksellers need to be familiar with, and be able to promote their stock. They use mainly electronic search methods to locate and order books. The exact nature of the job may differ depending upon whether it is based in a specialist bookshop or a non-specialist shop, where books may form only part of the stock.

Cinema manager > is responsible for the efficient day-to-day control of all cinema activities. In accordance with relevant statutory and company requirements, the role will incorporate a variety of areas including HR responsibilities, training staff and marketing initiatives to ensure optimum profit. Other tasks include liaising with local press and websites to promote film premieres and cinema times. Managers of smaller cinemas may also host private and/or group screenings for clients. Independent cinemas may promote art and educational films; an independent cinema manager will be looking to offer a wide variety of films, including art house films, to reach sales targets.

Commercial art gallery manager > is responsible for the commercial and artistic success of a gallery. This involves overseeing the diverse activities involved in running a gallery space. Responsibilities range from dealing with clients to installing exhibitions. Because of this scope, the role demands a combination of artistic awareness, business acumen, interpersonal skills and practical abilities. Commercial art galleries vary in style, size, and purpose. The art market continues to diversify away from more traditional London-based galleries to regional, artist-led spaces. This is a market-led industry that demands commercial focus and flair, in addition to an interest in art.

Event organisers > are involved in the organisation of events from conception through to completion. Events can include: exhibitions and fairs, festivals, conferences, promotions and product launches, fundraising and social events. They work in both the public and private sector and can work for event management companies, in-house for an organisation or freelance. The role of event organiser is hands-on and often involves working as part of a team. Event organisers must be able to complete a wide range of activities requiring clear communication and excellent organisational skills and must respond quickly to change, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of an event.