UNDERGRADUATE
MUSI2079 Introduction to Arts Administration
Course Type: disciplinary elective for music majors/minors, free elective for others
Prerequisite: NIL (admission by interview)
Prerequisite: NIL (admission by interview)
Instructor: Ms. Sharon LU
Semester: First and Second Semesters 2025/26 (this is a year-long course)
Time: 1:00pm–2:50pm, Friday
Venue: CRT-11.01 Seminar Room
Semester: First and Second Semesters 2025/26 (this is a year-long course)
Time: 1:00pm–2:50pm, Friday
Venue: CRT-11.01 Seminar Room
This year-long course offers students a comprehensive introduction to the field of arts administration, combining academic study with structured, hands-on professional training. Leveraging and fully integrated with the acclaimed HKU MUSE Concert Series as a dynamic platform, students gain practical experience in concert presentation, with a particular focus on classical music. The course includes discussions, guest lectures by industry professionals, field trips where feasible, and active participation in various aspects of concert planning and execution.
Key topics include programming, publicity, marketing, ticketing, production, artist relations, fundraising, outreach, audience engagement, and venue operations. Throughout the course, students engage critically with current issues and evolving practices in the arts sector, while developing skills essential for future careers in cultural and creative leadership.
[Registration & Interview] Interested students are welcome to register during the course selection period in August. A brief interview will be held in early September, with final enrolment decisions made shortly after.
Key topics include programming, publicity, marketing, ticketing, production, artist relations, fundraising, outreach, audience engagement, and venue operations. Throughout the course, students engage critically with current issues and evolving practices in the arts sector, while developing skills essential for future careers in cultural and creative leadership.
[Registration & Interview] Interested students are welcome to register during the course selection period in August. A brief interview will be held in early September, with final enrolment decisions made shortly after.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad understanding of the diverse landscape of arts organisations, and articulate the key responsibilities and impact of arts administrators operating in various professional concert and cultural presentation settings.
- explore and evaluate a range of career pathways in arts administration, identifying the skills, mindsets, and personal attributes that contribute to effective leadership in the cultural sector.
- analyse critically real-world problem-solving approaches used by leading arts professionals, and apply these strategies to practical challenges encountered in the planning and delivery of arts events.
- draw meaningful insights from their hands-on training experiences, recognising key management issues that arise in live performance contexts, and proposing creative, informed responses grounded in industry practice.
- contribute confidently to the communication and promotion of arts events, developing practical skills in editing, copywriting, documentation, and social media storytelling tailored to audience engagement and outreach.
Class Participation, Attendance and Punctuality 20%
Performance in Professional Training and Event Support 60%
Reflective Essays and Short Assignments 20%
Performance in Professional Training and Event Support 60%
Reflective Essays and Short Assignments 20%
- Production and Stage Management
- Artist Servicing and Backstage Management
- Front of House Management
- Sound Recording for Concerts
- Organisational Structures
- Cultural Leadership and Policy
- Legal Matters: Intellectual Properties and Contracts
- The Planning Process: Strategic Planning, Programming and Budgeting
- Marketing and Publicity
- Fundraising: Application, Sponsorship, and Stewardship
- Audience Development and Outreach
- Documentation and Archives
- Venue and Facility Management
- Cultural Democracy and Current Issues
- Interview Skills
- Arts in the Community
Selected readings and listening/viewing materials are either available on Moodle or on reserve at the Main Library.