Arts Administration

Since its founding in 1889, Converse has had a profound relationship with the arts. Our art department was developed in 1924 by renowned southern artists August and Irma Cook. Since then we’ve hosted some of the greatest performers of the 20th century in Twichell Auditorium, introducing fine arts instruction to generations of children, and producing dynamic new collaborations such as our recent original graphic-novel-styled opera. You could say the arts just run in our blood.

• More than 12 arts organizations make Spartanburg a true arts town with great internship opportunities
• Immerse yourself in the collaborative arts culture of the interdisciplinary School of the Arts
• Build your resume and gain hands-on experience through projects in the community

Internships

Spartanburg is an arts town. From the $42 million Chapman Cultural Center to small arts nonprofits, there are a myriad of opportunities for on-the-job learning in the arts.

While we have ample opportunities in our own backyard and across the region, arts organizations span the globe and can range from large institutions like museums, operas, symphonies, and ballets to small organizations like service-based nonprofits, art galleries, concert venues or music companies.

Irma Whaley ‘26 was an intern at the Women’s Caucus for Art Carolinas Chapter. Formed in 2020, WCAC is an extension of a nonprofit organization, Women’s Caucus for Art, founded in 1972. WCAC aims to support women in the arts through exhibitions and events, art activism, and community. Through the duration of her internship, Irma assisted with marketing for an exhibition, Gathering, held at Clearwater Arts Center & Studios. During the semester, Irma developed and refined a webinar series, as well as increase retention on a variety of media platforms. Her experience included managing social media, communicating with members and potential collaborators, as well as assisting in research based around local schools and other non-profit organizations.

Logan Neal ‘27 was an intern for Converse University’s Institutional Advancement department during the summer of 2025 as a Donor Relations Student Assistant. The internship, overseen by Converse’s Advancement Services team, supported the ongoing Legacy File Project. Neal updated alumni profiles in the University’s alumni and donor database, and assisted with stewardship initiatives. The opportunity not only benefited Logan professionally in the non-profit world, but also personally as they navigated their first summer living on their own.

The Arts Administration minor will prepare you to lead and manage arts and cultural organizations. In this program you will develop your capacity as an executive, fundraiser, planner, marketer, and financial manager in the nonprofit and for-profit arts.

Upon completion of the Arts Administration minor, you will have:

• A basic knowledge of visual art, theatre, music and dance
• A foundation in management and leadership of an arts organization, including board management and development
• Skills in fundraising, including grant writing
• Understand the fundamentals of marketing and community development

The Arts Administration minor will prepare you for a career through course assignments that mimic professional experiences. You will learn how to write a grant, create a successful marketing plan, build a fundraising campaign and manage a nonprofit board both through your coursework and a required internship.

This minor is highly recommended for all majors in the School of the Arts, but is open to every student at Converse University as well.

Sample Courses

• Arts Management and Organizational Structure
• Arts Leadership & Program Development
• Marketing Communications
• Art Appreciation
• Introduction to Theatre
• American Popular Music
• Film Music

View the Arts Administration Minor requirements.

Course Offerings & Academic Catalogs

What are common careers in Arts Administration?

• Marketing
• Arts Administration
• Curator
• Museum Director
• Music Venue Manager
• Opera Director
• Fundraising
• Art representative (visual artists and musicians)