Mission Statement

The Arts Administration program at Bellarmine University provides an interdisciplinary education that prepares well-rounded students for employment as professional administrators in the fine and performing arts. The degree offers a practical education in management and leadership, with a strong foundation in both art and business. Majors in the program earn a minor in Business Administration and take a range of courses in arts administration, studio arts, theatre, and music, with an in-depth exploration of their chosen artistic discipline. A minimum of two or more guaranteed internship placements present each student with valuable real-world experiences that further prepare them for careers within public and private cultural organizations

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Vision Statement

The Arts Administration Program at Bellarmine University seeks to provide a practical interdisciplinary education that develops well-rounded students seeking employment in any of the arts disciplines as professional arts administrators. The degree provides an education in arts management and leadership based on a strong foundation in the arts and in the context of increasing social, technological, and economic change. The program stresses the premise that art, education, and administration combined make a significant contribution to the total human endeavor.

Developed to meet the growing demand for professionals in the field who possess strong business and communication skills coupled with artistic sensibilities, this program prepares the student for a future in management in the arts. Programs are designed to satisfy the student’s artistic orientation in fine arts, music, or theatre. Classroom experiences are enhanced by two required internships, which provide the student with practical work experience and an early entry into his or her chosen career path.

Learning Objectives

Arts Administration graduates will

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the operation and management of arts organizations.
2. Demonstrate a facility with entrepreneurial thinking and the ability to both develop and implement strategic planning in pursuit of the mission of an arts organization.
3. Demonstrate the ability to recognize how cultural context shapes the legal, ethical, and financial realities that face art institutions and how these institutions are impacted by matters of public policy.
4. Demonstrate the ability to express their ideas clearly and professionally in written and oral communication.

Why earn your Arts Administration degree at Bellarmine?

The Arts Administration program at Bellarmine University is the perfect place to earn a degree in this field. Students in the program enjoy small class sizes and benefit from a flexible curriculum that allows them to select a track focus in Art, Music, or Theatre so their undergraduate experience can be tailored to best suit their career aspirations. While pursuing an Arts Administration degree at Bellarmine, students will be guided into two internship experiences, giving them practical, hands-on work experiences and allowing students to build their professional network before they graduate. In addition, all Arts Administration students earn a Business Administration minor as part of their major coursework, ensuring each student has the expertise necessary to succeed.

In addition to the stellar education Bellarmine provides, students who enroll in the Arts Administration program find themselves immersed in the thriving Louisville arts community. The city is home to dozens of art galleries and museums (including the Speed Art Museum and the Frazier History Museum), music venues (Louisville Orchestra, Louisville Ballet, and Kentucky Opera), and theatres (including Kentucky Shakespeare and the famous Actors Theatre of Louisville and its nationally recognized Humana Festival of New American Plays).

Program Highlights

• Flexible curriculum (choose an Art, Music, or Theatre focus)
• Small class sizes
• Professional internship experiences
• Faculty are leading professionals in the field with hands-on experience regarding the challenges, trends, and best practices affecting the arts world today
• Earn a Business Administration minor as part of your major coursework
• Thriving arts scene both on and off-campus
• Opportunity to study abroad
• Option to pursue Bellarmine’s Early Entry Dual MBA track (earn your undergraduate degree and an MBA in just five years)

Association of Arts Administration Educators

Bellarmine University is a proud member of the Association of Arts Administration Educators (AAAE). This organization brings together the world's leading arts administration programs, providing resources to arts administration educators for curriculum development, teaching and enrichment purposes. AAAE is an invaluable resource to our students and a fierce advocate for the arts nationally. 

Accreditation

Bellarmine University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees.