Arts Management

Arts Management at the University of the Arts Helsinki offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the arts and cultural sector. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling graduates to effectively lead, manage, and develop arts organizations, festivals, galleries, and cultural projects. Students will explore topics such as arts administration, cultural policy, financial management, marketing, project planning, and audience engagement, all within a creative and international environment. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship, encouraging students to develop unique solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the arts industry. Throughout their studies, students have opportunities to collaborate with cultural organizations, participate in internships, and undertake international exchanges, gaining valuable real-world experience and networks. The programme aims to foster a holistic understanding of arts management by integrating arts theory and practice, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape both locally and globally. Graduates of the Arts Management programme will be prepared to pursue careers as arts administrators, cultural policy advisors, project managers, event coordinators, and other leadership roles within the cultural sector. The University of the Arts Helsinki is committed to fostering creativity, diversity, and social engagement, making it an ideal place for aspiring arts managers to develop their skills and make meaningful contributions to the arts community.

The language of the programme is English. The programme aims to prepare you to understand the structure of the art field, those who operate in it and the changing circumstances that it involves, while fostering strong skills in leadership, economy, communications, research and analytical thinking in various types of management and leadership assignments.

The studies include arts marketing, leadership, audience engagement and participation, legislation, funding and culture politics. The optional courses can include, for instance, arts entrepreneurship, intercultural communications, music business, festival management or social arts projects. You can also earn ECTS credits by participating in professional projects and in work placements. Arts management students usually have a previous degree in the arts, economics, or technology. The programme is intended to complement and incorporate previous knowledge, leadership development and networking acumen.

The student acquires skills in leadership, economy, communication and academic research, which enable him or her to act in the different fields of arts, culture and cultural industry in demanding expert and leader positions or as an entrepreneur.

The Arts Management master’s programme admits approximately 15 new students every two years. Bachelor’s degree holders who have work experience in arts management can apply. The programme also demands adequate command of the English language, which will be demonstrated by successful completion of one of the common language tests. The application process usually includes two stages.

Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki selects new students only once a year in the spring. The next application period for studies starting in the autumn of 2019 is open between 9 and 23 January 2019 (the application period ends at 3 p.m. Finnish time on the last day). 

A tuition fee is applicable to students who are not citizens of countries of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. The amount of the annual tuition fee will be 5,000 euros. The amount of the fee will stay the same for the duration of a particular student’s studies.

Exemption from tuition fees

You are exempted from paying tuition fees if you have one of the following documents:

• Passport or identity card to indicate the citizenship of EU/EEA/Switzerland
• EU Blue Card in Finland
• Continuous residence permit card in Finland, Type A permit
• EU Family Member's Residence Card in Finland
• Permanent residence permit card in Finland, Type P permit
• EU residence permit for third-country citizens with long-term residence permit card in Finland (Type P-EU)

The University of the Arts Helsinki will introduce a scholarship programme in the form of tuition fee waivers, which aims to promote student recruitment and provide financial support for students who need it. Applicants should note that the University does not offer any scholarships for living expenses. Applicants who are liable for payment must also state on the application form if they want to apply for a scholarship from the University of the Arts Helsinki to cover the annual tuition fee if they get accepted. The scholarships are granted for one academic year at a time to some of the students based on their applications. The amount of the scholarship is 2,500 or 5,000 euros.

Arts Management at the University of the Arts Helsinki is a comprehensive degree programme designed to prepare students for leadership roles within the cultural and arts sectors. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, allowing students to develop their understanding of the arts industries, cultural policy, project management, marketing, and entrepreneurship within the arts. The curriculum is structured to provide a multidisciplinary approach, integrating aspects of arts administration, curation, arts marketing, fundraising, and organizational management. Students engage in project-based learning, often collaborating with arts organizations, artists, and cultural institutions, which fosters real-world experience and networking opportunities.

The programme emphasizes critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, and strategic planning, equipping graduates to operate effectively in a dynamic and diverse cultural landscape. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, workshops, and a vibrant campus life enriched with artistic activities, exhibitions, and performances. The University of the Arts Helsinki, being Finland’s largest art university, offers a stimulating environment where students can interact with faculty members who are active professionals in their fields.

Part of the programme’s strength lies in its international orientation, preparing students to work in global arts markets and multicultural environments. The coursework includes topics such as arts policy, cultural economics, community engagement, digital media, and arts advocacy. Students are encouraged to undertake internships and participate in exchange programmes, broadening their perspectives and enhancing employability upon graduation.

In addition, the university offers extensive support services, including career guidance, mentorship, and opportunities to showcase work through exhibitions and public events. Graduates of the Arts Management programme typically find employment in various settings, such as arts organizations, galleries, museums, cultural policy bodies, and private cultural companies. The programme aims to foster innovative leadership, responsible arts management, and entrepreneurial skills, aligning education with the evolving needs of the cultural sector.