Head of artistic and cultural projects: missions, skills, training, salary and career development

With the boom in cultural initiatives and the promotion of cultural heritage, the job of Head of Arts and Culture Projects has gained in importance. Responsible for managing, coordinating and developing cultural projects, this professional plays a key role in promoting cultural diversity and organising cultural events. Their aim is to create and bring to fruition artistic and cultural projects in collaboration with various cultural players.

Description of the job of Head of artistic and cultural projects

Artistic and cultural project managers are responsible for designing, planning, implementing and evaluating artistic and cultural projects . They often work for cultural organisations such as museums, theatres, art centres, local authorities or cultural associations. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, develop partnerships and ensure the success of cultural initiatives.

What is the role and remit of the Arts and Culture Project Manager?

Developing cultural projects

The Head of Artistic and Cultural Projects develops and implements cultural projects by defining the objectives, target audiences and actions to be undertaken. They must also keep abreast of local and national cultural policies to ensure that their projects are in line with cultural priorities.

Project coordination and management

He/she is responsible for the operational management of projects, including resource planning, team management and coordination with cultural partners. They are responsible for organising events such as exhibitions, live performances, festivals and artists' residencies.

Cultural mediation and artistic education

The Head of Artistic and Cultural Projects engages in cultural mediation activities to facilitate access to culture and raise public awareness of different art forms. They develop artistic and cultural education programmes aimed at schools, young people and specific audiences.

Managing partnerships and funding

They identify and develop partnerships with other cultural organisations, businesses, local authorities and sponsors to obtain funding and support for their projects. They are also often required to respond to calls for projects and prepare grant applications.

Project monitoring and evaluation

They monitor the progress of projects and assess their impact using performance indicators. They draw up reports and present the results to funders and partners.

Tools and technologies used by the Arts and Culture Project Manager

Project management tools

Project management systems such as Trello, Asana and Microsoft Project are commonly used by arts and culture project managers to organise, monitor and manage the various stages of cultural projects. These platforms make it possible to plan tasks, define deadlines and collaborate effectively with teams and partners.

Communication and coordination tools

Tools such as Slack and Teams are essential for team communication and coordination. They make it easier to exchange information and manage collaborations with various cultural players, enabling real-time discussions and document sharing.

Cultural mediation tools

Digital platforms and mobile applications play a crucial role in cultural mediation. They enable interaction with the public, promote cultural projects and make the cultural offering accessible to a wider audience.

Financial management tools

The financial management of projects is ensured by budget management and accounting software. These tools help to track expenditure, manage funding and ensure optimum use of available financial resources, providing the transparency and rigour essential to the success of projects.

What skills do you need to be a good arts and culture project manager?

Professional skills:

• Cultural project management
• Knowledge of cultural policies
• Mastery of project management tools
• Skills in cultural mediation and arts education
• Ability to develop partnerships and manage funding

Personal skills:

• Communication skills for working with a variety of audiences and partners.
• Creative spirit to develop innovative projects.
• Rigour and organisation to manage several projects simultaneously.
• Adaptability to respond to changes in the cultural sector.
• Leadership to manage and motivate teams.

What are the current challenges facing an arts and culture project manager?

Rapidly changing cultural practices

Cultural practices are evolving rapidly, particularly with the integration of new technologies and digital formats. Project managers must constantly adapt to meet audience expectations and new trends.

Funding and partnerships

Obtaining sufficient and sustainable funding remains a major challenge. The Project Manager must develop solid partnerships and diversify sources of funding, including sponsorship and public subsidies.

Audience diversity and accessibility

Ensuring that projects are accessible to a wide range of audiences, including those far removed from culture, requires specific cultural mediation and communication strategies.

How do I become an arts and culture project manager?

Education and training

To become an Arts and Culture Project Manager, you will often need a 5-year degree in one of the following fields:

• Master's degree in cultural project management
• Master's degree in cultural mediation
• Business school diploma with a specialisation in cultural management

EM Normandie also offers a MSc International Events Management that trains specifically for careers in event management, providing a comprehensive course tailored to the requirements of the sector.

Professional experience

Professional experience in positions related to the management of cultural projects is essential. Internships in cultural institutions, local authorities or associations are recommended to acquire practical skills.

What are the career paths and prospects for an Arts and Culture Project Manager?

• Progression to Director of Cultural Affairs or Director of Culture.
• Opportunities in major cultural institutions, local authorities or cultural development agencies.
• Possibility of becoming a consultant in cultural project management or setting up your own business.
• Transition to positions managing cultural projects or coordinating cultural programmes.

How much does an Arts and Culture Project Manager earn?

Salary varies according to experience, size of organisation and sector:

• Beginner: Gross annual salary (approx.): €28,000 - €35,000
• 2-5 years' experience: Gross annual salary (approx.): €35,000 - €45,000
• 5+ years' experience: Gross annual salary (approx.): €45,000 and more (with possible bonuses)

In what field does an Arts and Culture Project Manager work?

A variety of employers:

The Project Manager may work for:

• Cultural institutions (museums, theatres, art centres)
• Local authorities
• Cultural associations
• Non-profit organisations

Main fields:

A Project Manager works in a number of sectors, including:

• Arts and culture: Project management for cultural centres, museums and galleries.
• Performing arts: Organisation of festivals, artistic residencies and tours.
• Cultural heritage: Heritage enhancement and preservation projects.

In summary

The job of Arts and Culture Project Manager is essential to the success of cultural projects and the promotion of cultural diversity. It requires a high degree of versatility and skills in project management, cultural mediation and partnership development. The job offers varied career prospects and the chance to make an active contribution to artistic and cultural education and the cultural development of local areas.