Job opportunity: Executive Director of Colorado Creative Industries

Our sister state arts agency in Colorado is looking for a new director. Here's a synopsis of the job description take from a WESTAF press release:

The Creative Industries Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade is looking for a new executive director. The agency’s mission is to promote, support, and expand the nonprofit and for-profit creative industries in order to enhance Colorado’s quality of life, drive Colorado’s economy, and grow jobs. The Division grew out of a long tradition of service as a state arts agency and continues many of those traditional services even as it strives to recast its work in terms of the broader “Creative Industries” charge.

The successful applicant will benefit from the interest of an arts and creative economy governor.  As Governor, John Hickenlooper maintains the pro-active interest in the development of the arts and the creative economy he exercised as Mayor of Denver, and as a successful member of Denver’s business community. In addition, the successful applicant will work intensively with Robert Clasen, the recently retired Chair and CEO of Starz, LLC. Mr. Clasen remains active in the entertainment industry and is a working chair of the policy council that guides the work of the Colorado Creative Industries Division.

The position of the Director of the Creative Industries Division is responsible for working with the Colorado Creative Industries Council to develop and implement the Division’s strategic plan. In addition, the Director is responsible for the direction, management, and evaluation of all agency operations, programs, and services, and for maintaining effective internal and external relations. The holder of this position provides leadership to the nonprofit and for-profit creative industries in Colorado; represents the agency and its advisory body to governmental and legislative bodies, arts organizations, creative industry corporations, private foundations, the media, and the public.  The Director manages the administration of agency operations; and provides leadership to the agency’s personnel and contractors. The Creative Industries Director reports to the Director of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), serves on the OEDIT leadership team, and is responsible for the management of three full-time employees and three contracted professionals.

Applications are due on Friday, January 18, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to: Laurel Sherman, Search Coordinator, WESTAF, 1743 Wazee, Suite 300, Denver, Colorado 80202. Electronic submittals are welcome: Laurel.Sherman@WESTAF.org

Donna Fisher stepping down, Casper's Painted Past Productions seeks new executive director

Donna Fisher, executive director of Painted Past Productions in Casper, is stepping down Jan. 1, 2013. She is looking for a replacement:

Painted Past Productions is looking for someone to replace the existing retiring Executive Director. The replacement person will have the following skills. To apply for this position, please contact Donna Fisher at 307-267-7243 for an application or visit the downtown office at 330 S. Center, Suite 414, 9:00-3:30 Monday-Thursday.

Background in theater, i.e. directing and acting

Non-profit Business background, i.e. running a non-profit, or profit business with experience in non-profit.

Personnel management skills

Excellent communication skills

Extensive Computer Skills with Publisher, Word, Quick Books, Excel

Skill in Attention to Detail

AACT individual member

Experience in Office Management

Major areas of responsibility typically include:

·         Coordination of long-range and annual planning in collaboration with the Board of Directors.

·         Providing leadership for and actively participating in fundraising activities, donor development, grant seeking and grant reporting.

·         Developing the annual budget, including providing monthly financial reporting and forecasting, cash flow management, capital spending and expenditures review and approval.

·         Supervising the administrative staff and directing administrative operations.

·         Acting as the representative and advocate of the theatre with government agencies, insurance companies, community and local business groups and arts organizations.

Someone in this position would be expected to:

·         Possess experience in a non-profit arts management/leadership position, with demonstrated experience in fund-raising, grant writing and marketing;

·         Possess strong budgeting and financial management skills;

·         Demonstrate capacity to lead, manage, motivate and inspire the theatre’s team.

·         Have experience in marketing, advertising and public relations activities, including driving growth in ticket sales and associated revenues;

·         Exhibit excellent interpersonal leadership, and communications (both written and oral) skills;

·         Demonstrate a strong work ethic, stamina and passion.

Wyoming Arts Alliance seeks managing director

The Wyoming ArtsAlliance (WyAA) is advertising a 15- to 20-hour-per-week staff position of Managing Director. The starting salary is $15 an hour based on qualifications. The Managing Director can be located anywhere within the state of Wyoming. The application period will close Nov. 30, 2012.

The Managing Director, with assistance from the Board, will be responsible for:

·         Coordinating all WyAA Programs:

o        The Annual Education and Booking Conference

o        Arts Advocacy Day

·         Conducting annual membership drive

·         Assisting in identifying new development opportunities

o        Grants, foundations, individual donors

·         Maintaining consistent communication between Board and staff, Board and partners and Board and membership through

o        Email

o        Mailings

o        Phone Calls

o        Personal Visits

·         Producing annual legislative event

·         Developing new legislative and member networks

·         Arranging Board Meetings and Workshops

·         Maintaining social media, website, list serves, and advocacy networks

Requirements:

The Managing Director will need to travel several times a year to WyAA and the Wyoming Arts Council (WAC) Board meetings, to Cheyenne during the Legislative Session and around the state to recruit/maintain member contacts. Therefore the person needs a reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license and insurance.

The Managing Director will need a computer with current basic business programs.

The Managing Director will need experience and proficiency in doing mailings and computer database work.

WyAA will:

·         Pay for use of the MD personal vehicle at the state rate

·         Pay lodging and per diem for travel

·         Provide a USB drive on which to store the organization’s data

·         Provide additional computer programs unique to the organization

·         Provide an organization cell phone and data plan

For more information contact: Steve Schrepferman at 307-899-6693

Please submit a letter of application and current resume to: wyomingartsalliance@gmail.com 

Pinedale Fine Arts Council seeks executive director

Position: Executive Director

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Opening Date: October 22nd, 2012

Closing Date: November 30th, 2012

Pinedale Fine Arts Council Mission:

To present quality cultural and fine arts performances and workshops that appeal to people of varying interests and backgrounds.

To educate and entertain all ages, from youth to senior citizen.

To keep ticket prices affordable.

To bring culturally diverse artists to our community. 

Description: Provides professional oversight of all daytoday

functions of the Pinedale Fine Arts Council (PFAC).

Provides professional managerial and subordinate staff development. The Executive Director will serve as the public representative of PFAC and become highly visible within the Pinedale community. The Executive Director will be responsible for developing an annual budget, an annual programming calendar, and an annual report for the public. Provides significant, professional contributions to the Visual Arts Committee. Provides policy recommendations and assistance to the board of directors pertaining to PFAC operations.

Supervision: Reports directly to the Pinedale Fine Arts Council Board.

Supervision Exercised: Directly supervises all staff and volunteers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

(This list does not include all duties and responsibilities that may be assigned to this position.)

As Chief Executive of the Pinedale Fine Arts Council, set in place meaningful goals and benchmarks for staff and volunteers to attain, and establish a performance evaluation program. Evaluates staff, directs and participates in staffing decisions, manages employee training programs, coaches employees and encourages optimal performance, administrates development of goals and objectives for employees. Provide Leadership in fundraising, establishing goals and timelines while identifying potential new grants and gifts within the community at large. Maintain a high profile within the community, representing the Pinedale Fine Arts Council at Chamber of Commerce meetings, partner board meetings, and other relevant community functions. Seek out opportunities to leverage effective partnerships with others in the community to advance the mission of PFAC. Oversee the creation of a viable volunteer program within PFAC. Develop mechanisms for feedback from patrons and partners in the community through surveys, focus groups, and other methods. Attend state and regional booking conferences while serving as a liaison between PFAC and other local, state, and national arts organizations and affiliated groups. Work closely with Chair(s) of the Board of Directors on a monthly basis, keeping lines of communication open between staff and volunteers with the Board.

Desired Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience providing the skill and knowledge for successful job performance is required.

● Bachelor’s Degree with concentration in the arts or related field preferred; and

● Three (3) years professional experience working in the arts at the program director level or above

preferred; and

● Three (3) years experience in a leadership or managerial role required; and

● Interest in and appreciation of the arts is required.

Managerial/Executive Level Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

● Strong interpersonal and problem solving skills.

● Strong organizational and collaboration skills.

● Ability to manage multiple activities seamlessly and to delegate effectively.

● Experience working on and/or with Boards of Trustees/Directors

● Superb communication skills, both in writing and public speaking

● Experience working with artistic staff a plus

● Current knowledge of trends in the arts world and arts management a plus

Special Requirements:

● Valid State of Wyoming driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Equipment and Tools Used: Personal computer, professional business software applications (MS Word,

Excel, Outlook, etc.), telephone, copier, fax machine, and other office equipment.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The Pinedale Fine Arts Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information

David K. Klarén

Co-Chair,

Pinedale Fine Arts Council

PO Box 1904

Pinedale, WY 82941

Wyoming Arts Council looking for Arts Education Program Specialist

Interested in working for the Wyoming Arts Council?

The WAC is looking for an Arts Education Program Specialist.

"The purpose of the arts education position is to develop, support, and advocate for arts education for all Wyoming citizens. Arts education for all ages is a key goal in the Arts Council's long range plan, and is part of the education and outreach criteria in the Department of State Parks & Cultural Resources strategic plan."

Get full description here.

Arts Cheyenne announces job search for executive director

Arts Cheyenne announces its search for an executive director:

Do you like getting in on the ground floor of exciting developments?  This may be the job for you.

The primary responsibility of the person in this position will be to work collaboratively with the Arts Cheyenne Transitional Board, staff and volunteers to ensure the success of the organization.  As the first person to serve as Executive Director for this merged organization, the person hired will help mold the position.  Review the Executive Director Job Description and Executive Director Fact Sheet to learn more.  

Application deadline is noon, Friday, October 5, 2012.

Job opportunity: AVA Center Executive Director

Energetic Administrator needed for Executive Director position at AVA, Gillette’s growing Community Art Center. Skills needed include ability to multi-task and a working knowledge of Quickbooks and MS Office Suite; must be an effective communicator, dependable and self-motivated. Email resume to cathrinecoulter@gmail.com or mail to same at PO Box 3108, Gillette, WY 82717.

Help wanted: Lander Art Center seeks program coordinator

The Lander Art Center is seeking a Program Coordinator. Main duties include managing arts programming, financial data entry, and public relations. If you are interested in working at the premier visual art center of central Wyoming, please send a letter of interest and resume to Lisa Hueneke at 224 Main St. in Lander by August 17th. Salary dependent upon experience.

Part-time job opportunity: Wyoming Writers, Inc.

Wyoming Writers, Inc., will be hiring an administrative assistant for a part-time contract position.

Applications will be accepted until June 25, 2012 (postmark deadline).

Responsibilities include:
· Write, edit, design, create, and distribute (USPS and email) five newsletters per year.
· Write, edit, design, create, and distribute (USPS and email) annual conference brochure.
· Maintain and update web site information and navigation.
· Develop general and conference publicity materials for WWInc.
· Attend Board of Directors' meetings and the WWInc. annual conference.

To apply for this position:
· Send resume, cover letter, and the name and contact information for one reference to: Wyoming Writers, Inc., P.O. Box 999, Sundance, Wyoming 82729.
· Application materials must be postmarked by June 25, 2012.
· Selected candidates will be notified of the scheduled interview date and location.
· For full job description and questions e-mail mailto:e-mailmember1@wyowriters.org

Job opportunity: Lander Art Center

Lander Art Center is looking for a new executive director. Go here for job description.

UW Art Museum seeks new Ann Simpson Artmobile curator

From the UW Art Museum:

The University of Wyoming Art Museum (UAM) is looking for a new Ann Simpson Artmobile Curator.  As a key outreach program for the art museum, the artmobile curator travels with an exhibition of original artwork to every corner of Wyoming.  As an important member of the UAM’s education team, the artmobile curator achieves the museum’s mission by implementing field programs that align with in-house education programs supporting inquiry-based learning.

We are looking for an energetic, creative and organized individual who enjoys meeting and working with people all across Wyoming in diverse settings.  An art and/or art education background with printmaking knowledge is required. The curator regularly works with Wyoming’s K-12 teachers to develop programs that support their classroom goals and standards, as well as with community organizations, senior citizens groups, pre-schools and more.

Excellent driving skills are a must since the curator drives many miles in the artmobile van each year to some of Wyoming’s most remote communities. The position is 30 hrs. per week and is benefited.

A full job description can be found online. It is an academic position listed under the UW Human Resources Employment site, titled “Assistant Research Scientist, Ann Simpson Artmobile Curator, position # 6082.  Or click on the following url to go directly to the listing: http://www.uwyo.edu/hr/hremployment/showjob.asp?jobid=13172.  

For more information contact Wendy Bredehoft, Education Curator, 307.766.3496 or wbredeho@uwyo.edu.

Help wanted: Ucross Foundation

The Ucross Foundation, an artist residency program in northern Wyoming, is looking for a development director and a paid intern. Here are the details:

Development Director

The Ucross Foundation is a 30-year old nonprofit organization that operates an internationally known artists-in-residence program in northeastern Wyoming, supporting approximately 90 artists each year.  Located on an historic 20,000-acre working cattle ranch, the Foundation also works to preserve the health of its land and waters, and serves as a model of sound ecological values, through a variety of conservation initiatives including the planting of trees and the creation of a new community park.  The Foundation serves as a community resource in rural Wyoming through its art gallery, conference space and community events such as artist lectures and an annual Independence Day celebration. FMI: www.ucrossfoundation.org

We are currently seeking to hire a hands-on professional Development Director whose responsibilities will include:

Working closely with the Founder and Executive Director, identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major individual, corporate and foundation donors
Securing significant gifts, developing and writing grant proposals and overseeing grant agreements
Responsible for day to day management of all fundraising activities
Developing positive, respectful and fruitful relationships with donors, both locally and nationally
Organizing receptions and other special events in Wyoming and nationally
Supervising gift fulfillment process, database management and other systems to support development program
Communicating the Foundation’s activities to funders in a timely manner
Providing timely and accurate reports on fundraising performance, working closely with bookkeeper

Qualifications Needed:

       Recent experience in nonprofit work with demonstrated success in fundraising and partnership development;
             knowledge of arts nonprofit work
BA degree fine arts, nonprofit management
Exceptional interpersonal, writing and oral skills
Ability and willingness to maintain an active travel schedule
Passion for the work, mission and values of the Ucross Foundation
Experience with establishing planned giving programs is desirable
Demonstrated success with proposal development and grant writing
Strong computer skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint (Access database experience a plus)
Demonstrated ability to interact with high capacity donors
Outstanding initiative and responsibility a must
Superior organizational abilities with attention to detail, meeting deadlines, managing multiple tasks concurrently
Ability to work both independently and part of a team
Friendly, outgoing and positive attitude with a healthy sense of perspective and humor

To apply, send resume, letter of interest and two references to sdynak@ucross.org. No phone calls please.

2012 Internship (Paid)

An internship at Ucross Foundation is intended to develop the abilities of and give experience to an intern within the Residency Program and the general office of the Ucross Foundation working environment.  An intern will be hired under the same conditions and rules as other temporary employees without regard to race, creed, color or gender.

Main duties:

Assistance to the Residency Manager with Resident needs, including but not limited to town trips, airport pickups and returns, scheduling, attending orientation sessions, Selection Committee meeting arrangements, assisting with Fall 2012 invitation mailing, and other duties.

General office assistance may include newsletter writing and proofreading, bulk mailing assistance, attendance at staff meetings, art gallery reception work and helping out at public events including July 3 community fireworks event.  

Qualifications Needed:  BA degree in Fine Arts, Communications or other related degree.  Excellent computer skills, Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Word. Due to our rural location, the intern will need his/her own personal transportation.

Personal characteristics sought: Responsible, mature, excellent interpersonal skills, flexible, appreciative of details, friendly, respectful of other people and of professional boundaries, resourceful, sense of humor, team player.  Ability to live comfortably in remote rural location.

Dates of employment: flexible, generally six to eight months. Position open as of February 1, 2012.

Work requirements: 35 hours per week

Benefits: Monthly stipend and housing.

Deadline:  January 31, 2012

To apply, send letter of interest, resume and two references to Sharon Dynak at sdynak@ucross.org.  No phone inquiries, please. www.ucrossfoundation.org

Wyoming Music Educators Association seeks executive director and newsletter editor

From the Wyoming Music Educators Association: 

The Wyoming Music Educators Association (WMEA) seeks an Executive Director, term to begin July 1, 2012. The Executive Director functions as an independent contractor and the position pays a stipend of $6,000.00 annually. For more information and detailed job description contact WMEA President Kate McKeage at mckeage@uwyo.edu

WMEA Windsong Editor

The Wyoming Music Educators Association (WMEA) seeks an Editor of the publication Windsong. The Editor produces three issues per school year and may serve as an appointed member of the WMEA Board. This position pays a stipend of $1,000.00 annually. For more information, please contact:

Dan Holroyd

WMEA President Elect

holrodydd@lararmie1.org

The Wyoming Music Educators Association (WMEA) is the professional association for music teachers in the State of Wyoming. WMEA is a non-profit association affiliated with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education. The mission of the WMEA is to further the advancement of music education in Wyoming through public and private instruction, and encourage lifelong appreciation and involvement in music. For more information visit: http://www.wyomea.org/

Help wanted: Wyoming Office of Tourism

Alan Dubberly, deputy director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism, sends this:

The Wyoming Office of Tourism has two open positions and we need your help spreading the word. We are seeking two excellent candidates to fill the positions of Visitor Services Manager and Marketing Specialist. Job descriptions and application requirements can be found at www.wyomingofficeoftourism.gov. We will give priority review to those resumes received by December 30, 2011.

WAC 2009 visual arts fellowship winner Dave Henderson using Kickstarter to kick-start a new project

WAC 2009 visual arts fellowship judges and recipients at the Visual Arts Symposium in Laramie. From left: Colorado sculptor Lawrence Argent (judge); New York mixed-media artist Gina Ruggeri (judge); Greg Esser (judge), director of the Roosevelt Row artists' district in Phoenix; Dave Henderson (fellowship winner), Worland; Florence McEwin (fellowship winner), Green River; Bart Fetz (honorable mention), Green River. Not pictured: Fellowship winners Leah Hardy, Laramie, and Jill Hartley, honorable mention, Rock Springs.

David Henderson just notified wyomingarts about a project that he is trying to kick-start on Kickstarter. David (fourth from left in photo) was one of the winners of a 2009 visual arts fellowship from the Wyoming Arts Council. His work was featured in the 2008-2009 biennial fellowship show at the Wyoming State Museum Gallery in Cheyenne. 

In the 2009 fellowship competition, he submitted a series of oil and enamel paintings on panels that are part of his “American Dream” series. Henderson says he’s “inspired by the nostalgic and iconic imagery of Norman Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post covers depicting American life. He spent last summer “painting interpretations of the American Dreams of my coworkers, friends, relatives and their children.” This was his first submission to the WAC fellowships. He grew up in Worland and received his B.F.A. in sculpture from the Maine College of Art in 2005.

Portrait of Audrey and Holden Truman ("Young Ambitions"), oil and enamel on panel, 20"x16", Dave Henderson 

David now lives in Portland, Maine. He is continuing (and revising) this project and aims to raise $10,000 for his “American Poor Traits” book. Here’s how he describes it:

"American Poor Traits" will be an art monograph -- a coffee table book -- that will detail fifty Americans struggling with poverty. Through classical portraiture and a true objective journalistic approach, I hope to capture the essence of each of my subjects and tell their unique story, share their own "American Dream" with the rest of the country. 

My plan is to spend one year beginning this January, 2012, traveling the country in my silver little '91 Subaru Loyale and spend one week with one person or family in one community in each state, interviewing and documenting each's experience - their ambitions & obstacles, and then spend the following year of 2013 creating 24"x24" portraits (oil on panel) to compliment each individual's story. 

I plan to work in whatever capacity I can as I travel from state to state, answering part-time or temporary help wanted ads to pay for food, and will sleep in my car as much as I can during the cold months and camp outside during the warm ones.  I need help with the cost of the travel itself, gas and oil changes and windshield washer fluid and tire rotations.  

When I start the painting part of the project, I will need to pay for supplies; paints, wood for panels, and studio space. 

I will also be creating a website for the project and will be documenting the entire process from start to finish -- from the minute I hit the road to the minute I finish the last portrait in the series.

A $25 supporter will receive a T-shirt from Lead Belly Press with a design by Jamakin Dave. For a $50 contribution, you will receive a signed copy of the “American Poor Traits” book.

Donate at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/20360490/american-poor-traits

Help wanted: Director of Marketing and Communication for Arts & Venues Denver

Arts & Venues Denver is currently looking for a Director of Marketing and Communications. The Director of Marketing and Communications of Arts & Venues Denver (AVD) oversees the marketing and communications functions for the division. AVD operates nine City-owned venues; administers the Public Arts Program; manages special events and community arts-based programs; and oversees the City’s creative sector initiatives.

The position is responsible for establishing the overall marketing and public relations goals, oversees the development of a comprehensive communications, marketing, and public relations plan including policies, procedures, guidelines and standards, and directs the development, design, implementation and evaluation of informational materials, programs, projects, and other outreach activities. This also includes overseeing the continuation of the sponsorship program and proper revenue maximization.

This individual will administer the financial operations of the department, including approving the annual operating budget, monitoring financial activities, developing required budget reports, preparing justification for programs and staffing levels, and submitting final budget for executive management approval.

The Director of Marketing and Communications acts as the spokesperson for the agency, advancing the primary mission and goals, and develops comprehensive communications strategies and programs. They will interact with internal and external stakeholders in order to develop partnerships and to create public awareness and implement media campaigns.

Arts & Venues Denver works to enhance Denver’s quality of life and economic vitality through premier public venues, artwork, and entertainment opportunities. They are also responsible for the acquisition, construction, maintenance, repair, management and operation of the City's public assembly facilities. Arts & Venues oversees many of Denver's most sophisticated, high-profile facilities: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater; the three largest venues in the Denver Performing Arts Complex: the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the Newton Auditorium, the Buell Theater and Boettcher Concert Hall, plus the historic Denver Coliseum, Colorado Convention Center and newly acquired Crossroads Theater.

For full job description, go to http://agency.governmentjobs.com/denver/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=352392

To apply for this position, please visit http://www.denvergov.org/jobs.

Mike Strom named new manager of Wyoming State Archives

SPCR press release:

Mike Strom has been named the new Wyoming State Archives manager and will begin his new duties on August 22.

Previously a senior archivist at Texas Christian University, Strom was responsible for the operation of the school’s archives.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Oregon and a master’s degree from Central Washington University.

Strom previously worked in the Manuscripts and Archives Department at Yale University, where he processed the papers of the Yale Law School faculty and alumni.

“We feel fortunate to have someone with the experience and background of someone like Mike lead our State Archives,” Cultural Resources Administrator Sara Needles said. “We’re sure he will be a strong asset to our organization.”

Strom is a currently or previous member of several professional organizations including New England Archivists, the Society of Southwest Archivists (SSA), and the Society of American Archivists (SAA). His professional involvement includes terms on the SSA’s Executive Board and the steering committee for the SAA’s College and University Archives Section. He will chair the 2012 SAA Leland Award Committee, which recognizes outstanding writing about archives.

Job announcement: Wyoming State Museum

The Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne is currently advertising for a Curator of Education. You may view the actual announcement and/or apply at http://statejobs.state.wy.us/JobSearchDetail.aspx?ID=18644

Help wanted: Lander Art Center

The Lander Art Center is looking for a part-time art teacher for Fall 2011 through Spring 2012 youth classes, 2 to 4 days/classes per week, times vary. Applicants must be motivated, flexible, and have a background or previous experience in the arts. Mail cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Lander Art Center 224 Main St. Lander, WY 82520 by July 10. Pay varies with experience.

SNAAP study: Performing and visual arts alumni take many paths to meet career objectives

This report on a study by the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project comes to us via NASAA Notes from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies:

The Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP) at Indiana University's Center for Postsecondary Research addresses the previously unanswered question of what happens to alumni of performing and visual arts in its report Forks in the Road: The Many Paths of Arts Alumni. 

Stereotypes and misconceptions abounded about what these graduates were doing, with one of the most common being that they are unable to find work in their desired field and therefore are forced to take jobs outside of their desired field. After receiving 13,581 responses, SNAAP was able to dispel that myth and provide a clearer picture of the activities of these graduates. 

At the time of the survey in December 2010, only 6% of arts alumni were unemployed and looking for work, compared to 9.6% of the national work force. However, this number is slightly higher than the unemployment rate of 4.8% for those with at least a bachelor's degree.* 41% of graduates are currently working as professional artists, and 17% who previously worked as professional artists are employed in other fields. Among professional artists, satisfaction with their work varies widely among occupation, but satisfaction with income is low across occupations. 

Arts alumni are generally happy with their education, with more than 90% responding that their experience was good or excellent and 76% responding that they would attend the same institution again. More than half of those currently working outside the arts found their arts training relevant to their job. The survey results suggest that career counseling at performing arts schools could be improved. More than half of undergraduates were dissatisfied with their institutions' career advising, and a similar percentage thought their institution did not help them acquire financial and business skills. 

The SNAAP website has more information about the study and six very cool interactive infographics. There is also information for institutions to sign up to participate in future SNAAP surveys. If you would like to speak to a NASAA staff person about this study, contact Henry Clapp.

—Henry Clapp, NASAA Research Associate