Welcome!

Founded in 1988, the University of Kentucky's Department of Arts Administration offers one of the most comprehensive curriculums in the country. The program prepares students for the challenges they will meet as professionals in the arts. The demand for arts administrators remains strong. What was once a small niche has transformed into an industry of professionals trained to manage theatres, symphony halls, galleries, museums, community art councils, orchestras, art centers, and many other types of institutions. In fact, the nonprofit arts industry employs approximately 1.3 million individuals annually.

As director of the University of Kentucky's Department of Arts Administration, I'm always excited to tell people about our many accomplishments. There's no better way to do that than by pointing out how, even in these tough economic times, our graduates continue to find employment in their field. They can be found working locally at the University of Kentucky, statewide at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts and the Kentucky Historical Society, and nationally in New York on Broadway, in Washington DC at the National Gallery, in Nashville at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, in Chicago at Millennium Park, and in Seattle at the Seattle Opera.

One reason for this success is that the faculty is constantly updating the curriculum in order to expose our students to the latest in arts management practices in areas such as education, fundraising, international activities, law, leadership, marketing, programming, social entrepreneurialism, and strategic planning. Additionally, our students take courses devoted entirely to the standard technologies used by Arts Administrators, as well as learn a host of other software programs through their regular courses.

Even with this emphasis on technology, however, the faculty never loses sight of the fact that the most successful form of education takes place when two people communicate directly with one another, be it face-to-face or online. And in that regard, I'm always gratified to hear from our students about how well supported they felt while in the program and, once they graduated, how happy they were to have found not only a profession but also a home.

I hope that, as you look through our web site, you will come away with the same feeling and will want to make the University of Kentucky's Arts Administration Program your home, too.

Dr. Rachel Shane, Director
Arts Administration Program

Department of Arts Administration Mission

Dynamic and innovative, the University of Kentucky Department of Arts Administration leads national and international initiatives in teaching, research, professional and community service to educate and inspire responsible arts leaders, artists and entrepreneurs.

Department of Arts Administration Diversity Statement

The Department of Art Administration is deeply committed to diversity, inclusion and equity. With respect for all traditions, the department endeavors to create an open and affirming environment where all voices can be heard.