Minor in Arts Management and Administration

Students laugh in response to a guest speaker in a lecture hall.

Minor in Arts Management and Administration

Behind every great performance or art exhibition is a team collaborating with artists to realize a vision. Arts administrators help make that artistic magic happen.

If you have a passion for the arts and want a profession that supports artistic endeavors and ensures the public has access to art, music, theatre, dance, performance and more, consider arts management and administration.

The Minor in Arts Management and Administration (MAMA) in the College of Fine Arts at The University of Texas at Austin is open to students in any degree program at the university enrolled in the 2016-18 and all subsequent degree catalogs. Through the minor, students broaden their understanding of careers in the commercial, nonprofit and public arts sectors, develop skills critical for arts managers in all arts disciplines and build career contacts through an internship experience.

 

 

Examples of jobs in arts management and administration:

  • Producer for the Broadway Stage
  • Arts Festival Director Federal, State, or City Arts Administrator
  • Concert Hall Director
  • Chief Financial Officer for an Arts Institution
  • Independent Producer/Promoter
  • Arts Education Director
  • Public Arts Administrator
  • Self-Producing Artist
  • Fundraiser for an Arts Organization
  • Arts Marketing Director City
  • Cultural Planner
  • Touring Production Manager
  • Operations Manager for an Arts Organization
  • Artistic Director/Cultural Programmer
  • Artist Manager

How to apply to the Minor in Arts Management and Administration

Application instructions

Students must have a UT GPA of 2.5 or above and completed 30 undergraduate credit hours to declare the minor.

  • View 16-18/18-20 University Catalog minor requirements and and additional information here.
  • View 20-22 University Catalog minor requirements and additional information here.
  • You can apply for the minor via UT’s minor and certificate application portal here.

A student's particular catalog typically corresponds to the year you first attended UT Austin. For example, current first-years are in the 2020-22 degree catalog.

Students interested in entering the the MAMA minor program may contact Tim Rogers, Texas Performing Arts' Director of Education and Engagement (trogers@texasperformingarts.org(link sends e-mail)). 

Coursework the Minor in Arts Management and Administration

Required courses for the Minor in Arts Management and Administration
The table below contains course numbers, titles, and the necessary hours needed to fulfill the required courses for the completion of a Minor in Arts Management and Administration.
Course number Course title Course hours
F A 362 Foundations of Arts Management  3 hours
F A 340 Fine Arts Internship 3 hours
Varies Approved Fine Arts, Business, or Management coursework, at least 3 hours of which must be F A. A list of approved courses for this requirement may be found below 3 hours

 

Approved courses for the Minor in Arts Management and Administration
The table below contains a list of course numbers and course titles that are approved to count toward the Minor in Arts Management and Administration
Course numberCourse title
F A 115Creative Entrepreneurship (1-hour course)
F A 171Special Topics in Arts Management and Administration (Any topic – 1-hour course)  
F A 306 Career Development in the Arts
F A 313C Engaging with the Arts from the Audience 
F A 346 Inside the Arts of New York City 
F A 355Women in Entrepreneurship
F A 363Arts Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation
F A 364 Developing and Reaching Audiences
F A 365Fundraising in the Arts 
F A 366 Managing Arts Organizations 
F A 367Philanthropy and Arts Organizations
F A 368Cultural Policy and Participation
F A 369The Entrepreneurial Artist
F A 370Longhorn Startup Seminar
F A 371Special Topics in Arts Management and Administration (Any topic)
ACC 310F or ACC 312Foundations of Accounting or Fundamentals of Managerial Accounting
MAN 320F or MAN 336Foundations of Management and Organizational Behavior or Organizational Behavior
MKT 320F or MKT 337Foundations of Marketing or Principals of Marketing
FIN 320F or FIN 357Foundations of Finance or Business Finance
LEB 320F or LEB 323 Foundations of Business Law and Ethics or Business Law and Ethics
I B 320F or I B 350Foundations of International Business or International Trade

Please Note:  A 2.50 overall grade point average in minor coursework is required. All courses must be taken on the letter-grade basis. 

Explore Classes in the Minor in Arts Management and Administration

Spring 2024 courses offered in Arts Management and Administration

FA 171 Building a Sustainable Non-Profit (19804)

INSTRUCTOR: Sonia Montoya
WHEN: F 10:00am – 11:00am
WHERE: DFA 4.112


FA 313C Engaging with the Arts from the Audience (19765)

INSTRUCTOR: Tim Rogers
WHEN: TTH 2:00pm - 3:30pm
WHERE: PAC 3.614
What makes art engaging? How do we actively engage with a performance? What can we learn about the art, and ourselves, from our responses to it? What is art, and who gets to decide? 

Fine and pop art, tradition and experimentation, the familiar and unfamiliar, international and American creativity provide this course’s foundation. Students will attend performances and exhibitions, interact with artists, and examine core issues associated with the creative process in our increasingly complex global society. The instructors will lead students through visual arts, music, dance, and theatre experiences at Texas Performing Arts and elsewhere on the UT Campus to spark investigation and dialogue. 

This course asks students to explore what it means to pay rigorous attention to others and themselves in the space of live performance, attending to how performances ask questions of us and about the world. Classroom activities will include discussion before and after each performance; readings about artistic movements and genres; exploration of the behind the scenes aspects of the performing arts; and opportunities to collaboratively prepare, present, and critically respond to other members of the course.  
Note: Students in this class will need to attend numerous evening and weekend performances throughout the semester. If you have questions about when these will be, please contact Tim Rogers.

FA 340/640/940 Fine Arts Internship – WB (19775)

INSTRUCTOR: Isabel Tweraser
WHEN AND WHERE: Web-based
Headquartered in Fine Arts Career Services, this course offers students curricular support with their work in a prominent arts and culture organization. FA 340 requires 150 hours of internship work. Students must have secured an internship in order to enroll in the course. The class is offered 100% online every semester. FA 340 may be counted toward the transcripted minor in Arts Management and Administration.

FA 346 Inside the Visual and Performing Arts of NYC (19790)

Note: This course is only available to students enrolled in the UTNY program.
INSTRUCTOR: Abigail Levine
WHEN: W 6:00PM - 9:00PM
WHERE: UTNY HQ
From Broadway to Brooklyn and far beyond, New York City has a long, evolutionary, and singular presence in the visual and performing arts as one of the greatest cultural capitals of the western world. Through course readings, class discussion, site visits to major art institutions - both historic and those considered more experimental – supplemented by guest speakers, including practicing artists and art scholars, students will gain first-hand and behind-the-scenes knowledge of the depth of art practice and scholarship as defined and shaped by the city itself.

FA 355 Women in Entrepreneurship (19795)

INSTRUCTOR: Jan Ryan and Kendra Scott
WHEN: T 4:00PM-7:00PM
WHERE: Kendra Scott HQ
This class, co-taught by entrepreneurs / UT faculty members Jan Ryan and Kendra Scott, will immerse students in the core tenets of creating a new business from the point of view of the female founder. The course is designed to provide hands-on, tangible tools to equip and empower female entrepreneurs.  Using a “live” case study of Kendra Scott, LLC, and with a blend of lectures, experiential exercises and guest speakers, the class will expose obstacles that women face in contemporary society, with strategies to overcome.
Targeted students are those who are interested in the female founder’s unique perspective, are curious about starting their own company, or who simply want to pursue an understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset. The goal of this class is to confront common gender biases and conditioning, and in the context of the entrepreneurial journey provide actionable advice to empower students to see larger possibilities for their career. 
Classes will be held at the headquarters for Kendra Scott, LLC.  

FA 362/383 Foundations of Arts Management (Hybrid) (19800)

INSTRUCTOR: Carra Martinez
WHEN: TTH 3:30PM-5:00PM
WHERE: MRH 2.604
This survey course introduces students to a variety of successful management strategies for contemporary arts organizations. Ideal for all future arts professionals – artists and administrators alike – Foundations in Arts Management also pays special attention to organizational creation, leadership, mission development, fundraising, audience development, evaluation and issues in cultural policy and philanthropy.

FA 362 Foundations of Arts Management (19803)

INSTRUCTOR: Josh Straub
WHEN: TTH 9:30am - 11:00am
WHERE: DFA 4.112
This survey course introduces students to a variety of successful management strategies for contemporary arts organizations. Ideal for all future arts professionals – artists and administrators alike – Foundations in Arts Management also pays special attention to organizational creation, leadership, mission development, fundraising, audience development, evaluation and issues in cultural policy and philanthropy.

FA 371 Entrepreneurial LeadHERship for Women (20395)

INSTRUCTOR: Lesley Robinson
WHEN: TH 2PM - 5PM
WHERE: PMA 7.124
The Entrepreneurial LeadHERship Experience will guide student leaders on a journey during which they will discover their personal values, strengths and authentic leadership style through a gender-informed perspective.
The experience will leverage a variety of methods (data, frameworks, case studies, reflection opportunities) to equip our leaders with the skills they need to thrive as a leader and entrepreneur through a gender-informed perspective.

FA 371/381 Business of Entertainment (19810)

INSTRUCTOR: Natasha Davison
WHEN: M 5:00PM-8:00PM
WHERE: RLP 1.104
What is involved in producing large-scale, live, commercial entertainment? From music festivals to theater spectaculars, from the financial disaster of Spiderman to the blockbuster success of Hamilton, this course provides an overview of commercial entertainment fundamentals through case studies, engagement with guests from the entertainment industry, and examination of the business of show business. Taught by Broadway veteran and entrepreneur Natasha Davison designed for those interested in arts, business and producing.

Fall 2023 courses offered in Arts Management and Administration

FA 170 Longhorn Startup Seminar (20565)

Note: This course is available to MAMA students through this section, but the course is maintained in a different college.

INSTRUCTOR: Joshua Baer   
WHEN: T 3:30 – 6 p.m.   
WHERE: BEL 328

Focus on skill development and mentoring in start-up formation, technology development, market validation, marketing, sales, operations, human resources, program management, and finance. Includes discussion of intellectual property, social issues in design, as well as ethical and safety considerations. Emphasis on written and oral presentation of start-up activities.

FA 171 Fundraising in the Arts (20570)

INSTRUCTOR: Bob Bursey   
WHEN: M 3 – 4 p.m.   
WHERE: PAC 3.614

Survey of strategies involved in generating contributed income for arts organizations from private individuals, foundations, corporations, businesses and government agencies, and focus on how the process is related to marketing tickets to the same patrons.

FA 271 How to (Not) Be a Starving Artist: Law & Business for Artists and Creatives (20575)

INSTRUCTOR: Sammetria Goodson   
WHEN: M 4 – 7 p.m. (8/21-10/30)   
WHERE: Hybrid, some classes online only, some in DFA 4.106

Designed to teach students about the legal issues artists and creatives face when starting, running, and scaling sustainable artistic practices and businesses. Course work will include business structure, intellectual property, fair use, negotiating favorable contracts, and managing relationships with art market participants. Students will learn what current artists and creatives wished they learned in school - based on real life issues culled from Lecturer Sammetria Goodson's Art Law & IP law practice. 

FA 340/640/940 Fine Arts Internship – WB (20530)

INSTRUCTOR: Isabel Tweraser   
WHEN AND WHERE: Web-based

Headquartered in COFA Career Services, this course offers students curricular support with their work in a prominent arts and culture organization. FA 340 requires 150 hours of internship work. Students must have secured an internship in order to enroll in the course. The class is offered 100% online every semester. FA 340 may be counted toward the transcripted minor in Arts Management and Administration.

FA 346 Inside the Visual and Performing Arts of NYC (20550)

Note: This course is only available to students enrolled in the UTNY program.

INSTRUCTOR: Matthew Cronin   
WHEN: W 6 – 9 p.m.   
WHERE: UTNY HQ

From Broadway to Brooklyn and far beyond, New York City has a long, evolutionary, and singular presence in the visual and performing arts as one of the greatest cultural capitals of the western world. Through course readings, class discussion, site visits to major art institutions - both historic and those considered more experimental – supplemented by guest speakers, including practicing artists and art scholars, students will gain first-hand and behind-the-scenes knowledge of the depth of art practice and scholarship as defined and shaped by the city itself.

FA 355 Women in Entrepreneurship (20555)

INSTRUCTOR: Jan Ryan and Kendra Scott   
WHEN: T 4 – 7 p.m.   
WHERE: Kendra Scott HQ

This class, co-taught by entrepreneurs / UT faculty members Jan Ryan and Kendra Scott, will immerse students in the core tenets of creating a new business from the point of view of the female founder. The course is designed to provide hands-on, tangible tools to equip and empower female entrepreneurs.  Using a “live” case study of Kendra Scott, LLC, and with a blend of lectures, experiential exercises and guest speakers, the class will expose obstacles that women face in contemporary society, with strategies to overcome.

Targeted students are those who are interested in the female founder’s unique perspective, are curious about starting their own company, or who simply want to pursue an understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset. The goal of this class is to confront common gender biases and conditioning, and in the context of the entrepreneurial journey provide actionable advice to empower students to see larger possibilities for their career. 

Classes will be held at the headquarters for Kendra Scott, LLC.  

*Note: Students are allowed to enroll in this course only after an application process. Applications are available starting March 6 at https://kswelinstitute.utexas.edu/sponsored-courses/

FA 362/383 Foundations of Arts Management (20560)

INSTRUCTOR: Josh Straub   
WHEN: TTH 9:30 – 11 a.m.   
WHERE: DFA 4.112

This survey course introduces students to a variety of successful management strategies for contemporary arts organizations. Ideal for all future arts professionals – artists and administrators alike – Foundations in Arts Management also pays special attention to organizational creation, leadership, mission development, fundraising, audience development, evaluation and issues in cultural policy and philanthropy.

FA 371 Entrepreneurial LeadHERship for Women (20585)

INSTRUCTOR: Lesley Robinson   
WHEN: TTH 3:30 – 5 p.m.   
WHERE: WIN 2.112

The Entrepreneurial LeadHERship Experience will guide student leaders on a journey during which they will discover their personal values, strengths and authentic leadership style through a gender-informed perspective.

The experience will leverage a variety of methods (data, frameworks, case studies, reflection opportunities) to equip our leaders with the skills they need to thrive as a leader and entrepreneur through a gender-informed perspective. 

*Note: Students are allowed to enroll in this course only after an application process. Applications are available starting March 6 at https://kswelinstitute.utexas.edu/sponsored-courses/

FA 371 The Business of Self-Marketing (20594)

INSTRUCTOR: Paul Bonin-Rodriguez and David Treatman   
WHEN: M 2 – 5 p.m.   
WHERE: WIN 2.112

This course teaches emerging creative professionals how to package themselves, how to network and generate opportunities, and how to deploy the fundamentals of law and relationship management to protect their work and pursue lasting success in creative enterprises.  

Whether you are an artist, an investment banker, or just out with your friends, you are always in the business of selling “you.“ The stories that we tell about ourselves, to ourselves and to others, can mean the difference between opening doors or closing them. This course draws on real-world examples, theoretical reading, and practical application of class concepts to confidently and effectively pursue their dreams.  From collaborating effectively, to understanding basic contracts, to creating and getting opportunities in an opaque industry, this course prepares students with essential business skills. While this course is designed for students who will pursue a career in entertainment or the arts, it is applicable to anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit.

FA 371 House Management and Audience Relations (20590)

Note: This course is available to MAMA students through this section, but the course is maintained in a different college.

INSTRUCTOR: Pamela Buchanan   
WHEN: T 2– 5 p.m.   
WHERE: BEL 325

Client Services and Venue Management, coupled with Developing and Reaching Audiences, addresses the parallels of environments that require information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, conflict management and resolution and communication styles for management that leads to successful interactions and accommodations for the consumer, client or patron. For consumers and clients, with and without disabilities, audience and client relations and interactions can make or break an experience and future engagement with the venue whether it is in entertainment of hospitalization. This course examines the Americans with Disabilities Act as it pertains to all public spaces and ways to prepare and provide accessible events and positive experiences.

FA 371/381 Business of Entertainment (20580)

INSTRUCTOR: Natasha Davison   
WHEN: M 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.   
WHERE: RLP 1.106

What is involved in producing large-scale, live, commercial entertainment? From music festivals to theater spectaculars, from the financial disaster of Spiderman to the blockbuster success of Hamilton, this course provides an overview of commercial entertainment fundamentals through case studies, engagement with guests from the entertainment industry, and examination of the business of show business. Taught by Broadway veteran and entrepreneur Natasha Davison designed for those interested in arts, business and producing.

Spring 2023 courses offered in Arts Management and Administration

FA 271 Money and Art (20380)

INSTRUCTOR: Peter Kahng   
WHEN: TTH 2 – 3:30 p.m. (This class ends March 10, 2023)   
WHERE: MRH 4.116

Explore the secretive world of the high-end Fine Art market for the unique insights it provides into Economic Theory and Human Behavior.  

This course will examine the world of high-end art, across classical, modern and contemporary art markets. It will explore the industry structure, participant behaviors and incentives of the market participants to uncover insights into traditional economic theory. The goal of the course is to look at practical applications of economic principals in the most secretive, aspirational industry in the world. As we remove underlying theoretical assumptions through the unique characteristics of the art market, we reveal insights into consumer behavior and human nature.

FA 313C Engaging with the Arts from the Audience (20333)

Note: an error happened with registration for this course which is currently being addressed. You are able to add yourself to the waitlist if you would like.

INSTRUCTOR: Tim Rogers   
WHEN: TTH 2 – 3:30 p.m.   
WHERE: PAC 3.614

What makes art engaging? How do we actively engage with a performance? What can we learn about the art, and ourselves, from our responses to it? What is art, and who gets to decide? 

Fine and pop art, tradition and experimentation, the familiar and unfamiliar, international and American creativity provide this course’s foundation. Students will attend performances and exhibitions, interact with artists, and examine core issues associated with the creative process in our increasingly complex global society. The instructors will lead students through visual arts, music, dance, and theatre experiences at Texas Performing Arts and elsewhere on the UT Campus to spark investigation and dialogue. 

This course asks students to explore what it means to pay rigorous attention to others and themselves in the space of live performance, attending to how performances ask questions of us and about the world. Classroom activities will include discussion before and after each performance; readings about artistic movements and genres; exploration of the behind the scenes aspects of the performing arts; and opportunities to collaboratively prepare, present, and critically respond to other members of the course.  

Note: Students in this class will need to attend numerous evening and weekend performances throughout the semester. If you have questions about when these will be, please contact Tim Rogers(link sends e-mail).

FA 340/640/940 Fine Arts Internship – WB (20350)

INSTRUCTOR: Isabel Tweraser   
WHEN AND WHERE: Web-based

Headquartered in Fine Arts Career Services, this course offers students curricular support with their work in a prominent arts and culture organization. FA 340 requires 150 hours of internship work. Students must have secured an internship in order to enroll in the course. The class is offered 100% online every semester. FA 340 may be counted toward the transcripted minor in Arts Management and Administration.

FA 346 Inside the Visual and Performing Arts of NYC (20365)

Note: This course is only available to students enrolled in the UTNY program.

INSTRUCTOR: Abigail Levine   
WHEN: W 6 – 9:00 p.m.   
WHERE: UTNY HQ

From Broadway to Brooklyn and far beyond, New York City has a long, evolutionary, and singular presence in the visual and performing arts as one of the greatest cultural capitals of the western world. Through course readings, class discussion, site visits to major art institutions - both historic and those considered more experimental – supplemented by guest speakers, including practicing artists and art scholars, students will gain first-hand and behind-the-scenes knowledge of the depth of art practice and scholarship as defined and shaped by the city itself.

FA 355 Women in Entrepreneurship (20370)

INSTRUCTOR: Jan Ryan and Kendra Scott   
WHEN: T 4 – 7 p.m.   
WHERE: Kendra Scott HQ

This class, co-taught by entrepreneurs / UT faculty members Jan Ryan and Kendra Scott, will immerse students in the core tenets of creating a new business from the point of view of the female founder. The course is designed to provide hands-on, tangible tools to equip and empower female entrepreneurs.  Using a “live” case study of Kendra Scott, LLC, and with a blend of lectures, experiential exercises and guest speakers, the class will expose obstacles that women face in contemporary society, with strategies to overcome.

Targeted students are those who are interested in the female founder’s unique perspective, are curious about starting their own company, or who simply want to pursue an understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset. The goal of this class is to confront common gender biases and conditioning, and in the context of the entrepreneurial journey provide actionable advice to empower students to see larger possibilities for their career. 

Classes will be held at the headquarters for Kendra Scott, LLC.  

*Note: Students are allowed to enroll in this course only after an application process. Applications will be available mid-October

FA 362/383 Foundations of Arts Management (20375)

INSTRUCTOR: Carra Martinez   
WHEN: TTH 3:30 – 5 p.m.   
WHERE: MRH 2.604

This survey course introduces students to a variety of successful management strategies for contemporary arts organizations. Ideal for all future arts professionals – artists and administrators alike – Foundations in Arts Management also pays special attention to organizational creation, leadership, mission development, fundraising, audience development, evaluation and issues in cultural policy and philanthropy.

FA 371 Creating a Theater Company (20394)

INSTRUCTOR: Madge Darlington   
WHEN: TTH 12:30 – 2 p.m.   
WHERE: WIN 2.112

FA 371 Arts and Community Service (20385)

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Travis Marcum   
WHEN: TTH 3:30 – 5 p.m.   
WHERE: MRH M3.114

The arts have the capacity to facilitate deep connection and community healing. Arts organizations are now prioritizing and funding programming that connects artists and teachers directly with individuals and communities experiencing challenges like homelessness, mental or physical health diagnoses, social/racial inequity, trauma, and others. This course is designed for students who want to use their creative skills to build a career that directly contributes to positive social change and the wellbeing of others. Led by Dr. Travis Marcum, enrollees will learn from national arts leaders about program building, artistic direction, and education for the greater good. Students will engage in collaborative creative projects and join local community organizations in action. 

FA 371 Offensive Art (20399)

INSTRUCTOR: Doug Dempster   
WHEN: TTH 12:30 – 2 p.m.   
WHERE: RLP 0.124

Art, theatre, literature, music and dance, and the artists who create them, are often offensive, inflaming deep opposition and advocacy. This course will examine cases of offensive art to examine the nature and cause of offense and what special role art and artists might play in instigating, mediating, and resolving conflicts.

Some of the many questions addressed in this philosophy course include the following: Why is art, theatre, literature, music and dance so frequently offensive?  Should public funds be allowed for offensive music?  Is it ever right to censor offensive literature? Can art be good if the artist’s actions are reprehensible? Do artists have a right to be offensive?  Or a duty? Should artists, authors, and musicians abide by a professional code of ethics? Should we avoid or denounce art of an artist who behaves reprehensibly? Who owns a work of art, theatre, literature, music or dance? Is the art market a “pump-and-dump” or a Ponzi scheme? How should we resolve disputes about art that offends?

The course will take a case-study approach, with an emphasis on contemporary art, music, comedy, dance, literature, and other art forms.  Unavoidably, the course will consider words, images, objects, texts, plays, music, and movies with content that will challenge the religious, political, sexual, or ethical sensibilities of students. Students will be given reasonable warning in advance of these encounters as well as reasonable accommodations for students who wish to avoid some of them.

FA 371 Entrepreneurial LeadHERship for Women (20395)

INSTRUCTOR: Lesley Robinson   
WHEN: TH 2– 5 p.m.   
WHERE: PMA 7.124

The Entrepreneurial LeadHERship Experience will guide student leaders on a journey during which they will discover their personal values, strengths and authentic leadership style through a gender-informed perspective.

The experience will leverage a variety of methods (data, frameworks, case studies, reflection opportunities) to equip our leaders with the skills they need to thrive as a leader and entrepreneur through a gender-informed perspective. 

FA 371/381 Business of Entertainment (20390)

INSTRUCTOR: Natasha Davison   
WHEN: M 5 – 8 p.m.   
WHERE: RLP 1.104

What is involved in producing large-scale, live, commercial entertainment? From music festivals to theater spectaculars, from the financial disaster of Spiderman to the blockbuster success of Hamilton, this course provides an overview of commercial entertainment fundamentals through case studies, engagement with guests from the entertainment industry, and examination of the business of show business. Taught by Broadway veteran and entrepreneur Natasha Davison designed for those interested in arts, business and producing.