The creative industries are often seen as a realm of traditional roles like artists, designers, performers, or writers. However, the landscape of creative careers has dramatically expanded in recent years, offering a wealth of opportunities beyond the conventional path. As an arts student, it’s important to explore these alternative career options, as they can offer fulfilling, impactful, and sometimes more stable employment opportunities. In this article, we will delve into some non-traditional career paths in the creative sector, including arts administration, curation, arts therapy, and community arts.
1. Arts Administration
If you’re passionate about the arts but also have an interest in management, then arts administration might be a perfect fit. Arts administrators play a critical role in ensuring the smooth running of galleries, museums, theatres, and other cultural institutions. They manage everything from funding, marketing, and public relations to event planning, staffing, and strategic partnerships.
While the role may not put you directly in the spotlight as an artist, arts administration is crucial for the survival and growth of cultural organisations. The skills gained in managing budgets, programming events, and leading teams are transferable across industries, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy behind-the-scenes work.
2. Curation
For those with a strong eye for detail and a passion for telling stories through art or objects, curation offers an exciting alternative to traditional creative roles. Curators are responsible for designing exhibitions, managing collections, and often conducting research into the cultural significance of artworks or artifacts.
Whether working in a museum, gallery, or even a private collection, curators bring together visual, historical, and sometimes even multimedia elements to create cohesive, engaging experiences for audiences. For arts students with a critical mindset and interest in art history, curation provides the opportunity to merge creativity with intellectual pursuits. Additionally, many curators develop the skills to manage exhibition budgets, liaise with artists and collectors, and work on educational outreach programs.
3. Arts Therapy
For those interested in the intersection of creativity and mental health, arts therapy can be a deeply rewarding career. Arts therapists use creative processes such as painting, music, dance, and drama to help individuals explore and express their emotions, improve mental health, and develop coping strategies.
Arts therapy is based on the idea that creative expression can promote healing and self-discovery. It’s used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, prisons, and private therapy practices. While you’ll need to pursue additional qualifications, such as a postgraduate degree in art therapy or music therapy, this career path offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, combining creativity with care and empathy.
4. Community Arts
Community arts is all about using art as a tool for social change and engagement. This career path allows you to work with diverse groups—whether youth, marginalised communities, or the elderly—to create projects that foster connection, self-expression, and collective identity.
Arts professionals in community-based roles often facilitate workshops, public art projects, and events that encourage participation and bring creative expression into everyday life. This could involve setting up murals, theater performances, or collaborative exhibitions that address local social or cultural issues. The work is highly collaborative and can be deeply impactful, as it gives voice to those who may not otherwise have access to the arts. Community arts also often play a role in advocating for social justice, environmental causes, or public health initiatives.
5. Digital Media and Interactive Design
In today’s digital age, there is a growing demand for artists skilled in interactive design, digital media, and virtual reality. Digital artists, graphic designers, web developers, and multimedia specialists are crucial in creating visually compelling and interactive experiences across industries.
As an arts student, you may already have foundational knowledge of visual storytelling, which can be applied to new technologies. By learning coding, animation, or game design, you can enter fields that merge technology with creativity—whether it’s developing virtual art galleries, interactive museum exhibits, or online performance platforms. This interdisciplinary approach opens doors to careers in tech companies, gaming, advertising, and entertainment, all while allowing you to maintain your creative flair.
Conclusion
Exploring non-traditional career paths in the creative industries can be just as rewarding as pursuing a career as a fine artist or performer. The arts sector is rich with diverse opportunities where you can combine your passion for creativity with practical skills that contribute to societal well-being. Whether you’re drawn to the organisational side of arts administration, the intellectual challenge of curation, the healing potential of arts therapy, or the social impact of community arts, these paths allow you to make a unique contribution to the cultural landscape.
As an arts student, consider these alternative career options when mapping out your future. The creative industries are vast, and your skills are versatile—don’t be afraid to think outside the box and explore these exciting, dynamic fields!