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Community arts worker

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Performing arts and media
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Career outlook for community arts worker

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£19,000

Experienced

£29,000

Currently employed in Scotland

8,900

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would guide people as they organise and take part in creative activities which inspire and motivate them as a group and make a positive difference in their community.

You’d support arts activities such as:

  • Drama
  • Music
  • Dance
  • Art and mural painting
  • Photography
  • Creative writing
  • Film and video production

You’d encourage community groups and their members to identify local needs and concerns. Then you’d help them develop their ideas for artworks and events.

Other aspects of the job would be to advise on practical issues and help the projects get funding, stay on schedule and publicise the events and activities.

You would:

  • Support existing groups and develop new groups and activities
  • Create artworks for, or with, the community
  • Lead meetings and training activities
  • Advise on grants, sponsorship and other sources of funding
  • Write funding bids and proposals, manage budgets and do general administration
  • Encourage support from possible sponsors
  • Coordinate input from arts workers and community members
  • Publicise activities through the media, leaflets and posters
  • Manage projects and assess their success

A big part of the job is motivating people to get involved in a project and build up their confidence as they participate.

You would often work with other organisations such as health, youth and education services.

Working conditions

Hours

Your working hours will depend on the needs of the community and the projects that you are undertaking. You will often work at weekends and in the evening.

Environment

You could be based in a variety of places, such as community centres, libraries, youth centres, schools, prisons and care homes. You may be involved in outside events such as carnivals and street theatre.

UK employment status

Full-time

52%

Part-time

42%

Self employed

6%

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Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Building relationships
  • Supporting
  • Verbal communication
  • Written communication
  • Creative
  • Developing a plan
  • Time management
  • Mentoring
  • Motivating others

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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.

Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.

Qualifications

Community arts workers usually have a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in areas such as art, design, dance or drama.

You can enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.

Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.

You may also be able to access this role by completing a relevant work based qualification such as a Creative and Cultural Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6. 

Useful subjects

Many courses require English and a subject related to the specialism such as art or drama.

You will also need

To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland

Helpful to have

A community education qualification and experience working with local community groups would be useful.