Sector Overview
With such a huge number of job roles in the arts you don't just have to be a brilliant artist, musician or actor. Perhaps you would like to sell your artwork to galleries, design costumes, digital applications or games. Or maybe you'd prefer a career 'behind the scenes' working in technical production, management or libraries and museums.
The Arts and Creative industries cover 11 exciting and diverse sectors which include:
- Community Development
- Entertainment & Events
- Film, Television and Radio
- Library and Information Services
- Multimedia, including Software Development,
- Museums, Galleries and Cultural Heritage Site
- Music
- Performing Arts
- Visual Arts, Craft and Design
- Writing, Editing, Publishing and Journalism
- Zoos, Botanic Gardens and Natural Heritage Sites
For more information on these sectors and related occupations please visit the sites below:
http://www.myfuture.edu.au
http://www.jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au
Job Roles
There are a huge amount of different occupations that span the Arts and Creative sector. Check these out!
Actor |
Comedian |
Grip |
Production Manager |
Training Options & Qualfications
Training can be an essential way to sharpen your creative talent and gain the technical edge required to survive in a highly competitive industry. Currently about one third of the arts workforce have a Bachelor Degree or higher qualifications whilst the majority have Certificate III or higher level qualifications. Some roles, however, may only require short courses for you to gain the specific skills for the role. There are a wide variety of qualifications to choose from which are delivered by TAFESA, private registered training organisations and universities. Visiting the following website to find out what course are available:
TAFESA
Flinders University
Univeristy of South Australia
Univeristy of Adelaide
If you are still at school you can start your creative career through VET in SACE. Currently the VET in SACE options include qualifications in the following areas:
• Visual Arts and Creative Industries
• Music
• Screen and Media
For more information on what subjects are available check out the VET Recognition register http://www.sace.sa.edu.au/subjects/recognised-learning/recognition-register
Personal Characteristics & Skills
- Creativity
- A high level of organisation
- Confidence
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- The ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
- To be innovative
- Problem-solving skills
- The ability to work in a team or independently
- Business and promotional skills for self-employment
Industry Entry
People can enter the Creative Industries via direct employment or after gaining VET or University qualifications. Entry to some creative arts courses is highly competitive and all courses involving an art practice require auditions and/or portfolios that display your work and talents. In some cases applications go direct to the institution rather than through the tertiary admissions centres. If you plan to go onto further study, you will need to develop a range of experiences and expand your portfolio of work to enhance your admission chances.
Festivals and events provide great opportunities to gain experience in a wide range of support roles. These are usually short-term and provide an opoortunity to gain skills in different areas such as box office, administration, logistics, marketing, event set-up and management.
Even if there are no paid work opportunities, a wide variety of arts organisations depend upon volunteers. Volunteering is an excellent way of gaining experience, building your skills and networks and can be a great stepping stone to your employment. Being involved in cultural and creative activities will develop your skills and knowledge.
Resources
SSSA - Careers Snapshot video
Skillsone Arts Videos
Links
General Career Links
www.ibsa.org.au
www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au
www.equipd.com.au
http://www.jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au
www.myfuture.edu.au
www.skillsinfo.gov.au/skills/
www.skillsone.com.au
www.skills.sa.gov.au/careers-jobs
SA Traineeship and Apprenticeship Services
www.training.gov.au
Industry Links
Australian Graphic Design Association
Art Education Australia
Arts Hub
Arts Industry Council of South Australia
Arts SA
Ausdance SA
Australia Council for the Arts
Can SA
Carclew Youth Arts
Country Arts SA
Crasftsouth
Design Institute of Australia
History SA
Libraries of SA
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance
Media Resource Centre (MRC)
Music SA
Musicians Union of Australia (Adelaide)
National Association for the Visual Arts
National Institue of Circus Arts
National Institue of Dramatic Arts
Royal South Australian Society of Arts Inc
SA Film
SA Writers Centre
Songwriters, Composers And Lyricists Association (SCALA)
South Australia Museums