Creative Arts and Culture

Working in the Arts and Culture sector probably means working in a role that you love, whether that is dance, music, producing or another creative pursuit. You will be employed in an industry that is highly competitive and you will often be working for yourself as a freelancer or sub-contractor.

Arts and culture programs can benefit everybody by increasing community spirit and social inclusion. Programs are being run throughout many sectors to increase social cohesion through arts, and some examples are opera streamed live in schools, art and dance programs run in disability and aged care, and Indigenous cultural programs.

What does this industry cover?

Sectors in this industry include exhibition and display design, graphic design, arts and craft products, film, audio and video production, performance art such as dance, music and live theatre.

Visual arts and design are art forms that create works that are primarily visual in nature. These include arts and contemporary craft, Indigenous cultural arts, design, photography, arts administration, and fine arts such ceramics and sculpture.

Dance can include modern, classical, and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander dancing along with musical theatre and dance teaching.

Live performance, entertainment and music include organisations that produce live theatrical or musical performances, and creative artists and musicians themselves. The industry also encompasses those that operate performing arts venues.

Screen and media can include creative, management, administration and technical production roles in the screen and media sectors of film production, television production, radio broadcasting and interactive digital media (such as electronic games, websites, educational resources).

Job hunting preparation

The Arts and Culture sector is a mixture of small and micro businesses combined with large media enterprises. Employment in several arts and culture sectors vary a lot by season, and have significant peaks and troughs in demand. This may include yearly festivals, or heightened activities during the warmer months.

Employers look for staff who can think creatively, communicate with diverse audiences and are reliable. Skills in marketing and business may help you get ahead in this industry.

Throughout the sector there is a moderate growth predicted but with the advent of technology there is an indication of strong growth for work in Digital Media Design.

Important skills in this sector are specialist technical skills; creative and critical thinking; communication and relationship building; personal branding; and small business and contracting skills.

Employers typically look for staff with experience in the industry. Volunteer work is highly regarded, as is experience with local organisations in your sector, for example community radio or TV.

To find work, you should join associations, and get newsletters from good quality organisations. Use your networks to hear of positions that may not be advertised.

Information for further research

Industry information is published by peak level associations, government and major employers. Accessing industry association sites, including member lists, is a good way of building up an understanding of an industry. Visiting employer websites and looking for careers or employment menus helps identify how employers recruit and the skills they are recruiting.