Butler University offers a completely unique Arts Administration degree where students learn about the business side of not-for-profit arts organizations while also honing their craft in music, theatre, dance, visual art, or art history. They speak the languages of the arts and learn to build and serve community through the arts. As arts administrators, we bring artists and audiences together to grow stronger communities.
The mission of the Arts Administration Department is to provide undergraduate students from all backgrounds with a strong liberal arts foundation; education in not-for-profit administration, business, strategic communication; and comprehensive study in the arts. Through our faculty, curriculum, and experiential learning, we provide our students with opportunities that are diverse in thought, scope, and culture with a focus on community.
We support each student to be the artist and/or arts advocate they endeavor to be, while they develop transferrable skills through diverse classroom and real-world experiences that prepare them for future success in their careers (both artistic and administrative) and in life. An important education component of the Arts Administration degree is experiential learning wherein students put classroom knowledge to work during internships with arts and not-for-profit organizations in Indiana, across the country, and around the world.
Your support of the Arts Administration Gift Fund enables:
- Students to attend national conferences where they make important connections with industry leaders and gain valuable experiences through seminars and other educational and networking opportunities.
- Students to participate in the Arts & Cultural Management in Italy study abroad program with scholarship support.
- Students to attend arts events throughout Indianapolis and the region.
- Our faculty to continue their professional development through participation in national and international conferences.
Alumni testimonials:
Arts Administration has given me the chance to make a meaningful impact on the local arts and culture scene while launching my professional career in the field I’m most passionate about: art. This experience has allowed me to connect with inspiring and influential individuals, building lasting relationships within the art world. I have developed a diverse skill set that equips me to thrive in any situation, as Arts Administration has provided me with the tools to thoughtfully and effectively support the arts.
– Frances Anderson, Arts Administration-Art ‘24
Butler’s Arts Admin Major is an exceptionally well thought out program that prepares students for a rewarding career working in or around arts organizations. I’ve heard numerous professionals in the field say they wish they had the opportunity to study arts admin in an undergrad programs like Butler’s. What’s particularly special about it, is it allows for students to simultaneously pursue training in their artistic discipline alongside arts admin coursework. Having time to continue my classical music training during my four years at Butler allowed me to stay anchored to my love of the arts and the arts community within the Jordan college of the arts.
– Erin Mast, Arts Administration-Music ‘22
Thanks to Butler University’s Arts Administration department, I feel confident in my first full-time position, up to date on the current arts not-for-profit field, and supported by a strong network of professional mentors!
– Gabriella Tzougros, Arts Administration-General ‘24
