Community arts worker
Guide people to organise and take part in creative activities which inspire and motivate them and are positive for their community.
About the job
What it's like
You would guide people as they organise and take part in creative activities that inspire and motivate them.
You’d support arts activities such as:
drama
music
dance
art and mural painting
photography
creative writing
film and video production
You’d encourage community groups and their members to identify local needs and concerns. Then you’d help them develop their ideas for artworks and events.
Other aspects of the job would be to advise on practical issues and help the projects get funding, stay on schedule and publicise the events and activities.
You would:
support existing groups and develop new groups and activities
create artworks for, or with, the community
lead meetings and training activities
advise on grants, sponsorship and other sources of funding
write funding bids and proposals, manage budgets and do general administration
encourage support from possible sponsors
coordinate input from arts workers and community members
publicise activities through the media, leaflets and posters
manage projects and assess their success
A big part of the job is motivating people to get involved in a project and build up their confidence as they participate.
You would often work with other organisations such as health, youth and education services.
Hours
Your working hours will depend on the needs of the community and the projects that you are undertaking. You will often work at weekends and in the evening.
Environment
You could be based in a variety of places, such as community centres, libraries, youth centres, schools, prisons and care homes. You may be involved in outside events such as carnivals and street theatre.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- motivating others
- mentoring
- time management
- developing a plan
- creative
- written communication
- verbal communication
- supporting
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design
Care
Creative Arts
Dance
Media
Music
Performance Arts
Skills for Work: Creative Industries
Sociology
Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Community arts workers usually have a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in areas such as art, design, dance or drama.
You can enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
You may also be able to access this role by completing a relevant work based qualification such as a Creative and Cultural Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6.
A community education qualification and experience working with local community groups would be useful.
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
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