Arts Administration

Since its founding in 1889, Converse has had a profound relationship with the arts. Our art department was developed in 1924 by renowned southern artists August and Irma Cook. Since then we’ve hosted some of the greatest performers of the 20th century in Twichell Auditorium, introducing fine arts instruction to generations of children, and producing dynamic new collaborations such as our recent original graphic-novel-styled opera. You could say the arts just run in our blood.

• More than 12 arts organizations make Spartanburg a true arts town with great internship opportunities
• Immerse yourself in the collaborative arts culture of the interdisciplinary School of the Arts
• Build your resume and gain hands-on experience through projects in the community

Internships

Spartanburg is an arts town. From the $42 million Chapman Cultural Center to small arts nonprofits, there are a myriad of opportunities for on-the-job learning in the arts.

While we have ample opportunities in our own backyard and across the region, arts organizations span the globe and can range from large institutions like museums, operas, symphonies, and ballets to small organizations like service-based nonprofits, art galleries, concert venues or music companies.

Lillie Kieken ‘22 was an intern at GLOW Lyric Theatre in Greenville, SC. Founded in 2009, GLOW Lyric Theatre is a professional, non-profit organization whose mission is to produce fiscally responsible opera, operetta and musical theatre that is in direct response to the social and political climate of South Carolina. Lillie assisted with donor management, marketing, and the box office. Her experience included managing social media marketing campaigns for the summer season, securing silent auction packages, communicating with donors and partners, as well as assisting with front-of-house management.

Angel Fodor Jenkins ‘18 was an intern at The Upstairs Art Space in Tryon, NC. Founded in 1978, The Upstairs Artspace is a nonprofit contemporary art gallery that exhibits two- and three-dimensional art and craft by leading artists of the Southeast, particularly, the Carolinas, as well as artists nationally and globally. Angel assisted with managing the annual Art Trek, an exhibition and Open Studios weekend showcasing local artists. In her second semester interning with The Upstairs, Angel took a lead role securing donors of artworks for the annual 100×100 fundraiser. After graduating with a BFA in Studio Art and minors in Arts Management and Art History, Angel was selected as one of three 2018 Brandon Fellows at the Greenville Center for Creative Arts and is currently working full time in her field.

The Arts Administration minor will prepare you to lead and manage arts and cultural organizations. In this program you will develop your capacity as an executive, fundraiser, planner, marketer, and financial manager in the nonprofit and for-profit arts.

Upon completion of the Arts Administration minor, you will have:

• A basic knowledge of visual art, theatre, music and dance
• A foundation in management and leadership of an arts organization, including board management and development
• Skills in fundraising, including grant writing
• Understand the fundamentals of marketing and community development

The Arts Administration minor will prepare you for a career through course assignments that mimic professional experiences. You will learn how to write a grant, create a successful marketing plan, build a fundraising campaign and manage a nonprofit board both through your coursework and a required internship.

This minor is highly recommended for all majors in the School of the Arts, but is open to every student at Converse University as well.

Sample Courses

• Arts Management and Organizational Structure
• Arts Leadership & Program Development
• Marketing Communications
• Art Appreciation
• Introduction to Theatre
• American Popular Music
• Film Music

View the Arts Administration Minor requirements.

Course Offerings & Academic Catalogs

What are common careers in Arts Administration?

• Marketing
• Arts Administration
• Curator
• Museum Director
• Music Venue Manager
• Opera Director
• Fundraising
• Art representative (visual artists and musicians)