Offered at Cal State LA Downtown (DTLA), the Arts Management Certificate Program is an affordable, non-credit professional option designed for emerging and mid-career professionals working across nonprofit, hybrid, and for-profit cultural sectors. The program provides an essential foundation for understanding how arts organizations operate—and why strong, mission-driven leadership is vital to their success, fostering creative expression and championing cultural values.
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Designed for emerging and mid-career professionals working across nonprofit, hybrid, and for-profit cultural sectors, the Arts Management Certificate Program consists of six courses (four core courses and two directed electives) designed to provide a cohesive and comprehensive understanding of the management of arts organizations. Students may also choose to enroll in individual courses without pursuing the full certificate, allowing flexibility to meet specific professional goals. Participants attend one class per week for each course, allowing for a manageable balance of professional and personal commitments.
Students will explore the unique structural elements of nonprofit and hybrid arts organizations, including board governance, staff roles, and community accountability. The program also examines how leadership style, organizational design, and stakeholder relationships influence an organization’s sustainability, equity, and impact. Using case studies and interactive exercises, students will build the practical knowledge and reflective mindset needed to lead effectively and ethically in the arts sector.
CORE COURSES:
ARTM 7001: Arts Organization Fundamentals: Mission-Driven Leadership, Organizational Structure, and Community Engagement (6 weeks)
This course provides an essential foundation for understanding how arts organizations operate—and why strong, mission-driven leadership is vital to their success. Unlike traditional businesses, arts organizations exist to serve communities, foster creative expression, and champion cultural values. As such, their leaders must balance strategic management with deep passion for the arts, a commitment to public service, and the ability to engage stakeholders meaningfully.
ARTM 7002: Arts Finance Essentials: Budgets, Management, and Fiscal Responsibility (6 weeks)
This module equips students with the fiscal knowledge and practical tools needed to manage the unique financial operations of arts organizations—whether nonprofit, hybrid, or mission-driven for-profit. Unlike traditional corporate finance, arts finance demands navigating a complex and nuanced ecosystem of funding streams, including grants, donations, box office revenue, profit-sharing agreements, and government contracts.
ARTM 7003: Amplifying Reach: Marketing, Data, and Digital Content in the Arts (6 weeks)
This module offers a solid foundation—and strategic enhancement—for professionals looking to build or refine their marketing and audience development skills within the arts and cultural sector. Taught by experienced marketing leaders from the arts and cultural sector, students will explore how to design effective outreach campaigns using CRM systems, audience data, digital content, social media, and earned media strategies. Emphasis is placed on aligning marketing efforts with mission-driven goals and community engagement priorities.
ARTM 7004: Sustaining the Arts: Fundraising, Partnerships, and Donor Engagement (6 weeks)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to fundraising and fund development within the arts and cultural sector. Students will learn how to cultivate donor relationships, write compelling grants, develop sponsorship strategies, and navigate the nuances of government funding. The course emphasizes ethical fundraising practices and teaches students how to manage donor data, track outcomes, and ensure compliance with legal and institutional policies.
DIRECTED ELECTIVE COURSES:
ARTM 7101: Arts Learning and Community Impact: Design, Access, and Evaluation (4 weeks)
This course introduces students to the principles and practices of arts education and community engagement, focusing on how programs can drive meaningful social and cultural impact. Through real-world case studies, pedagogical models, inclusive programming strategies, and culturally responsive curriculum design will be explored.
ARTM 7103: Leadership & Talent Strategy for Arts Organizations (4 weeks)
This module focuses on the core leadership and human resources practices necessary to build, manage, and retain strong teams in arts organizations. Students will examine contemporary leadership frameworks and explore how mission-driven institutions develop people-centered cultures that align with creative goals and community values. Topics include team development, DEI principles, and managing within unionized and contract-heavy environments.
Register for an Arts Management Certificate Program virtual information session.
The cost of each Arts Management Certificate course is as follows:
- ARTM 7001 (6 weeks): $950
- ARTM 7002 (6 weeks): $950
- ARTM 7003 (6 weeks): $950
- ARTM 7004 (6 weeks): $950
- ARTM 7101 (4 weeks): $650
- ARTM 7103 (4 weeks): $650
The total price of the Arts Management Certificate (all six courses) is $5,100.
The Arts Management Certificate can be completed in one calendar year. Classes are held on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Cal State LA Downtown.
The Arts Management Certificate Program Schedule for 2026 is:
ARTM 7001: Arts Organization Fundamentals
February 7 – March 14
ARTM 7002: Arts Finance Essentials
April 11 – May 16
ARTM 7003: Amplifying Reach
June 6 – July 18, 2026 (no class July 4)
ARTM 7004: Sustaining the Arts
August 8 – September 12
ARTM 7103: Leadership & Talent Strategy
October 3 – 24
ARTM 7101: Arts Learning & Community Impact
November 14 - December 12 (no class November 28)
To earn the Arts Management Certificate, students need to complete all four core courses and two directed electives. Alternatively, students may choose to enroll in individual courses without committing to the full certificate, allowing them to tailor their education to their goals and interests.
Enroll in the Arts Management Certificate Program.
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For more information about the Arts Management Certificate Program, please email Cal State LA's College of Professional and Global Education (PaGE) Enrollment Services Department.