Frequently Asked Questions | Course Descriptions
Internship Sponsoring Organizations

Certificate Program in Arts Management:
Course Descriptions

• Intro. to Arts Management*
  *before Fall 2008: Management for the Arts
• Marketing the Arts
• Fundraising and Development in Arts*
  *before Fall 2008: Understanding and Writing Grants
• Arts and Entertainment Law*
  *formerly titled Art Law and Business
• Internship in Arts Management

Note: For information on current (or upcoming) courses, search the schedule of classes at Student Services or go to the Fall/Spring or Summer arts management courses on this site.

Introduction to Arts Management
CSS or AMG 1100 / 4 credits / Fall
This introductory survey provides an overview of arts management, preparing students for upper-level courses in the arts management program. Topics include: arts leadership and management philosophy; organizational structure; accounting practices; strategic planning and programming; marketing and public relations; fundraising and development; sponsorship; volunteerism; grants; and arts and entertainment law. Special attention is given to the application of management principles and skills in the visual and performing arts.

Marketing the Arts
CSS 3520 / 4 credits / Fall
Audience development and marketing topics include: targeting a potential audience; developing mailing campaigns; designing, writing, implementing, and distributing promotional materials; and public image enhancement through community relations and press coverage. Fundraising topics include: cultivating private donors; planning and implementing fundraising campaigns with strategies for promotion; writing successful grant proposals; and enacting special events.

Fundraising and Development in the Arts
CAM or AMG 3100 / 4 credits / Fall
An exploration of funding for the arts, including fundraising research, grant writing, fundraising campaigns, sponsorship, donor development and bequests, and fund management and reporting requirements. The history and philosophy of support for the arts is explored via case studies. Students apply the concepts and techniques by developing models and plans specific to local area arts organizations.
Prerequisite: CAM/AMG 1100 or CSS 3510 or permission of instructor

Arts and Entertainment Law
CSS or AMG 3170 / 4 credits / Spring
An introduction to fundamental legal and business concepts that affect artists and arts managers. Students analyze various artist agreements and conduct mock negotiations. Emphasis is placed on copyright protection and infringement; First Amendment protections for symbolic and literal speech and the limits to those protections; the basics of contract law and statutory protection for artists; and the terms and nature of business relationships. Formerly titled and numbered “Art Law and Business,” CSS/AMG 3060.

Internship in Arts Management
CAM 3981 / 3 credits / Fall, Spring, and Summer
This internship provides students with practical experience in the field, a professional résumé credit, and the opportunity to assess their future career potential in visual, media, or performing arts management. A minimum of 112.5 on-site internship hours and an academic project (defined by the faculty sponsor) are required. Formerly CSS 3980.
Note: Before registering...
Nonmatriculated Continuing Education students must: (a) meet with the certificate/faculty advisor in the School of Liberal Studies & Continuing Education—call (914) 251-6500 to schedule an appointment; (b) research and secure their sponsoring organization; and (c) complete a learning contract.
Matriculated Purchase students must: (a) meet with a counselor in the Career Development Center; (b) research and secure their sponsoring organization; (c) obtain the sponsorship of a full-time faculty member; and (d) complete a learning contract.
Prerequisite: CAM/AMG 1100 or CSS 3510; CSS 3520; and permission of instructor

Discontinued as of Fall 2008:

Management for the Arts
CSS 3510 / 4 credits / Fall
Topics include: an introduction to the strategic planning process; procedures for analyzing existing resources and establishing short- and long-range goals for organizational and program development; how to determine appropriate organizational structures for boards of directors, volunteers, and employees; and a basic review of management issues in production, community outreach, audience development, media planning, and fundraising.

Understanding and Writing Grants
CSS 3010 / 4 credits / Spring
Topics include: a brief historical examination of the history of federal grants; a review of grant regulations and rules; a review of technical language; identifying potential grantors; operational budget considerations and the management of a grant program; and the “packaging” of grants. Students participate in discussions, guided research, and presentations of assignments, and are encouraged to pursue their own grant application process. Also offered as AWR 3010.

Updated May 14, 2008