Communications: The Key to a Valuable Arts Management Education

This research addresses how existing arts management academic programs can be enhanced to meet the increasing demands of the arts industry. The study investigates whether the St. Thomas University (Miami, Florida) Master of Arts Communication Arts-Arts Management program needs to integrate further communications and arts management studies. This researcher examined management practices within the arts industry, and how globalization and technology are underlining a need for communications competence. Change Management Theory by John P. Kotter serves as the theoretical model to determine how to implement effective change in arts management education. An examination of the study of communication arts and arts management points to the need for curricula to stress the interrelationship between communications and arts management, and the need for enhancements in two areas: pedagogy and curriculum. A curriculum map designed for St. Thomas University addresses the findings.