Graduate Diploma of Arts Management

The Graduate Diploma of Arts Management at The Australian Institute of Music is a one-year qualification for people who want to run arts organisations, not just perform in them. You study how arts and music organisations actually work: planning seasons and events, managing budgets and funding, marketing to audiences, working with artists and boards, and understanding the legal and policy settings that shape the sector in Australia. It sits at graduate diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is a shorter, more focused qualification than a master's degree, usually made up of around eight units of study and typically 48 credit points.

How the course is structured

Graduate diplomas in Australia are normally delivered over two semesters of full-time study, or part-time equivalent, with each unit carrying a set number of credit points. The exact mix of core and elective units, trimester or semester intake points, and any capstone or final project requirements are set by the institute, so check the official course page for the current structure. Assessment in this field usually combines written work, group projects, presentations and practical tasks tied to real arts events or organisations.

Skills you build

By the end, you should be able to put together an operating budget, write a funding submission, build an audience development plan, negotiate a contract with an artist or venue, and run a project from brief to acquittal. You also learn to talk to boards, sponsors and government funders in their own language. Work-integrated learning is common in arts management courses, and where it is offered you may spend time with a company, festival, venue or arts agency, applying what you have learned in a working environment.

Who it suits

This course suits people who already have a degree or significant industry experience and want to move into management, or practising artists and administrators who need formal business and governance skills. It also works as a stepping stone towards a master's degree. International students should note that a Student visa generally allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight while studying, and graduates may be able to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on their circumstances. English proficiency requirements are published by the institute; confirm the exact score and accepted tests on the official page.

• Arts administrator or arts manager in music organisations, theatre companies, dance companies and arts centres
• Event or festival coordinator for music festivals, community arts events and touring programs
• Marketing and audience development officer for arts organisations and venues
• Development or fundraising officer working with sponsors, donors and philanthropic trusts
• Box office, ticketing or venue operations coordinator
• Producer or project manager for independent arts projects and small companies
• Local government arts and cultural officer supporting community cultural programs
• Artist liaison or company manager for ensembles and performing arts groups