Community arts worker

To become a community arts worker, you could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• community arts
• creative expressive therapies
• art and design
• community education

You'll usually need to be qualified and experienced in a certain art form, such as visual arts, dance, drama, music or creative writing.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You may find a community arts qualification useful for getting a job as an assistant.

You could take a:

• Level 2 Certificate in Community Arts Administration
• Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Community Development

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You may be able to do a cultural learning and participation officer advanced apprenticeship.

This usually takes a year and 6 months to 2 years to complete. It includes a mix of learning in the workplace and studying in a classroom.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

It's important you get experience before you apply for jobs. You can do this by volunteering which can often lead to paid work.

You can find out about local community arts projects from the arts officer at your local council or by checking:

• Creative Lives
• Arts Council England
• Do IT
• NCVO

You can apply directly for jobs if you have experience working in the community.

Good examples include working in adult education, art teaching or youth work. Experience of working with disadvantaged or vulnerable groups will also be helpful.

Career Tips

Experience is just as important for getting onto a community arts course as it is for finding paid work.

As a community arts worker, you could:

• work with local groups to identify needs and concerns
• develop new arts groups and activities
• create artwork and help others develop their ideas
• advise on grants, sponsorship and other funding options
• promote activities through adverts, leaflets or social media

You could work in the community, at a library, at a school, at an adult care home or in a prison.