Built on a theory-to-practice model that includes classroom discussion, individual and group projects, guest speakers, case studies and an eight-week practicum, the Arts and Cultural Management program provides you with a practical balance of academic course work and hands-on experience.
To complete program requirements, you take three types of courses: required core courses, Arts and Cultural Management option courses based on your areas of focus and elective courses that allow you to explore other interests.
In your first year, you learn about behind-the-scenes aspects of working in the creative sector. Topics include financial management, contract negotiations and resource development. You develop leadership skills and develop a strong understanding of cultural policy.
ENGL 102 - Analysis and Argument
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
This course helps students to develop the academic writing skills they use throughout their university studies. The essay is the most important genre in this course, but students may also study works from other genres. By analyzing, summarizing, synthesizing, and critiquing a variety of texts, students learn how to develop their own analyses and arguments with appropriate and correctly documented primary and secondary sources. A thorough review of grammar and sentence structure is a key component of this course. Note: Students should not register in more than one first-year English course per term. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
|
AGAD 100 - Foundations of Arts and Cultural Management
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
In this course students examine critical issues and trends facing cultural managers today. Students examine the breadth and diversity of the sector, various organizing models and methods, the contributions of the sector to the Canadian economy and the role of art and culture in society. Students also examine significant historical events that influenced the development of the arts in Canada and explore the challenges inherent in balancing the needs of funders, artists and patrons. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
|
AGAD 105 - Accounting in Arts and Cultural Management
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
In this course, students prepare, record and interpret financial information used in decision making. Students practice accounting procedures, prepare statements and reports for analysis and examine differences in the accounting practices of not-for-profit, charitable and for-profit arts and cultural organizations. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
|
AGAD 107 - Computer Applications in Arts and Cultural Management
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Students develop foundational skills in the software applications commonly used by the arts manager including the features, functions and efficiencies of spreadsheet, database, word processing, publishing and presentation software. Producing a range of documents, students focus on readability, visual appeal, form and function, and file management in each application. Projects combine skill development with the ability to connect these applications to subsequent work in the program. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
OR
MGMT 107 - Business Computing
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Students develop foundational computer skills in the areas of file management, word processing, spreadsheet analysis, presentation development, and emerging technologies in order to support subsequent courses in their university career and to prepare them for the business world. Students solve business problems through data analysis, financial forecasting, and the use of Internet communication tools. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
|
AGAD 112 - Introduction to Audience and Resource Development
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Students explore principles of marketing and fund development and examine how these concepts are used to shape communications and resource development initiatives in the cultural sector. Other topics include various methods of relationship building with audiences for a variety of resource development goals focusing on earned and contributed revenue. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
|
AGAD 120 - Managing and Leading in Arts and Culture
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
In this course, students study the principles of management and discuss the complexities of leading in the arts, heritage and cultural sector. Students examine and reflect on the influences of personality type, perception, stress and motivation on interpersonal effectiveness and the impact of power, politics, change and organizational culture on the organization. |
| Prerequisites: AGAD 100. |
OR
AGAD 320 - Leadership Seminar
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
In this seminar, students explore principles and theoretical concepts of management and leadership in relation to the nature and structure of arts and cultural organizations. Topics include decision-making, strategic planning, organizing, controlling, leadership, organizational design, communication, teams, motivation, conflict and change. Students are engaged in case study analysis, developing key competencies in leadership and management problem solving within the organizational context of the arts, heritage and cultural sectors. |
| Prerequisites: AGAD 100. |
| NOTES: In Year 1 or 2; only one is required. |
|
AGAD 122 - Applied Audience and Resource Development
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
In this course students research and discuss potential funding and marketing tools and strategies utilized in the cultural sector. Students also develop key messages and plan for the development and use of marketing and fund development tools in various formats and media for a variety of audiences. |
| Prerequisites: AGAD 112. |
|
AGAD 123 - Human Resources in Arts and Cultural Management
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
This course examines the human resources of cultural organizations—the role of boards of directors, volunteers, and paid staff—and teaches the skills necessary to build successful relationships among these groups. Emphasis is placed on the governance function of the board, as well as on the processes of recruitment, selection, orientation and training, motivation and engagement, and termination and transition for all three groups. Learning activities will examine policy development, common practices in human resources management, and how boards, staff, and volunteers work together strategically to advance the work of cultural organizations. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
|
Option
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
No description available. |
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Option
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
No description available. |
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In your second year, you apply concepts from year one to more advanced courses in audience and resource development. As well, you explore areas of particular interest through option courses, elective courses and projects. If you are in the diploma program, your eight-week field placement takes place in year two.
ENGL 103 - Introduction to Literature
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Building on the writing skills students developed in ENGL 102: Analysis and Argument, ENGL 103 continues to develop critical thinking and writing skills applicable across the university curriculum through intensive reading and analysis of literary texts. In addition to a minimum of one play, novel, or novella, students analyze works from other literary genres. With this exploration of the variety and forms of literature, ENGL 103 covers the basics of literary analysis, research and reading skills imperative to all university disciplines. |
| Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in ENGL 102 or in WRIT 101. |
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AGAD 203 - Introduction to Project Management in Arts and Culture
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
In this course, students develop practical strategies for project planning in an arts and cultural environment. Students focus on the roles and responsibilities of a project manager and the components of a comprehensive project plan including identifying the scope of the project, milestones, resources, communication needs, budget and project evaluation. |
| Prerequisites: AGAD 120. |
|
AGAD 223 - Applied Project Management in Arts and Culture
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
In this course students collaborate with an arts or cultural organization or artist to complete a project of mutual interest. Drawing on the skills developed in previous courses, students review the principles of project management planning, develop a project plan, and where possible execute the plan and evaluate the results. |
| Prerequisites: AGAD 203. |
|
AGAD 231 - Field Placement
| Hours:0:0:280 |
Credits:5 |
|
Students complete a full-time, eight-week supervised workplace learning experience where they will apply and test their arts management skills and knowledge. Students identify, interview and choose from a wide range of potential placements and work in a variety of arts management functions including marketing, fund development, volunteer and/or event management, publicity and general arts administration. |
| Prerequisites: AGAD 122.
Co-requisites: AGAD 233. |
|
AGAD 232 - Advanced Resource and Audience Development
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Students apply advanced techniques and strategies related to marketing and fund development in the cultural sector. Working with an organization in the community, students engage in audience research to identify consumer trends and audience preferences and use this information to prepare a comprehensive audience and resource development plan for the organization. |
| Prerequisites: AGAD 122. |
|
AGAD 233 - Integration Seminar
| Hours:15:0:0 |
Credits:1 |
|
Students examine and reflect upon workplace learning experiences and upon their challenges and accomplishments. Best practices and arts management principles are revisited in the context of students’ real world field placement assignments. This seminar is concurrent with Field Placement. |
| Prerequisites: AGAD 122.
Co-requisites: AGAD 231. |
|
Option
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
No description available. |
|
Option
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
No description available. |
|
Elective
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
| Please see your university/faculty advisor for advice on choosing elective(s). |
|
Elective
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
| Please see your university/faculty advisor for advice on choosing elective(s). |
|
Note that not all program courses are offered each year for online students. Because some courses are scheduled on a rotation, online students generally require three years to complete the diploma program.
AGAD 201 - Advocacy in the Cultural Sector
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
The focus of this course is on developing the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful advocate in the arts and cultural sector. Students study federal, provincial and municipal cultural policies and government structures relevant to arts organizations, conduct policy related research and construct persuasive arguments and campaigns in support of the arts. Trends and emerging issues affecting arts and culture are also examined. |
| Prerequisites: AGAD 100. |
OR
AGAD 301 - Cultural Policy and Advocacy
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Students explore the concept of advocacy and develop skills required to analyze and influence policy in the cultural sector. Legislative processes at the three levels of government and policy issues affecting the arts and cultural industries in Canada are examined followed by an exploration of the practice of advocacy and lobbying, including strategies and techniques. |
| Prerequisites: AGAD 100. |
|
AGAD 209 - Publicity and Media Relations in the Arts
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
In this course, students investigate the importance of publicity and media relations in the arts and cultural sector. Students research, write and edit media tools including media releases, public service announcements, media kits, photo call/op notices and media invitations. They also prepare and plan media strategies including media events, media lists, angles and pitches and develop a publicity campaign with a focus on building relationships with audiences via the media. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
|
AGAD 225 - Performing Arts Management
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
In this course students analyze the complexities of presenting and producing live performing arts including facility/operations management, front-of-house management, programming and touring. Students also describe the relationship with unions and associations, risk management strategies, technical terminology used in performance venues and emerging issues and trends in the performing arts. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
|
AGAD 226 - Museum and Gallery Management
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Students examine the functional role of institutions such as museums, public galleries, commercial galleries, art foundations, and artist-run centres, among others; and, their various organizational structures and public programming. Students also explore issues and trends in collections and exhibitions management and learn how to develop mandates, policies, procedures and programming plans. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
|
AGAD 227 - Managing in the Music Industry
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
In this course, students examine the complex role of the artist manager including key competencies required to be successful in the field; contract terms and the legal language of agreements; and an overview of the Canadian music industry. Students also explore the manager’s role in developing the artist’s career, including critical artist assessment skills; recording; physical and streaming distribution, touring, branding; merchandising; marketing; funding and how to establish a career as a competent and ethical manager. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
|
AGAD 230 - Independent Study
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
In this capstone course, students write a major research paper on a topic of interest or complete a comprehensive independent project. Students prepare a project or research proposal early in the term to ensure that the work is of sufficient depth and breadth and then proceed to complete the project plan or research or to write the final paper. |
| Prerequisites: AGAD 120. |
|
AGAD 240 - Event Management
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Cultural and community events are integral to community life and events management has grown into an industry within arts management. Students examine the phenomenon and situate cultural events in context – community, quality of life, economic and political. The complexities of events management, including risk management, are the focus of this course. |
| Prerequisites: AGAD 100, AGAD 112 and AGAD 122. |
|
AGAD 300 - Practicum in Arts Management
| Hours:0:0:120 |
Credits:3 |
|
The course provides students with the opportunity to engage in a practicum experience, internally at MacEwan. Students assist with front of house and box office as well as the planning and promotion of MacEwan student and faculty performances and exhibitions or work on the development and administration of other special projects in the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications. |
| Prerequisites: One of AGAD 225, 226, 227. |
|
AGAD 340 - Community Cultural Development and Engagement
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Managers in the cultural sector can facilitate creative, arts-based projects that bring meaningful change in the quality of life of a community. This course focuses on collaborative and participatory processes that will involve arts organizations, government, and community stakeholders, in planning and implementing arts and culturally-based projects, which have sustainable, long-term positive impacts on people. Students explore topics including artists as facilitators, mentors and teachers; social enterprise; public art; risk and responsibility; leadership; needs assessment and strategic planning; urban and rural regeneration; policies; and project evaluation methods. |
| Prerequisites: 18 credits of AGAD including AGAD 203 and AGAD 232. |
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The program of study may change from year to year. The authoritative source for course descriptions and the rules and regulations that apply to students is the Academic Calendar.
