The Business Side of the PVA World

When you think of artists, do you picture painters, dancers, and musicians? Creating and producing art is a deeply collaborative process. While the spotlight often finds the “artist,” countless organizational, technical, and managerial roles work behind the scenes to support their creative vision. 

Perhaps you’ve dreamed of turning your craft into a career. But not everyone can — or wants to — make a living as a creative. Fortunately, many paths lead to a fulfilling career in the arts.

Art as a business

Artists inspire, engage, and entertain us, creating beautiful, meaningful pieces and performances. But they don’t work alone. Art is a business. Every creative project includes budgets, logistics, and more, inextricably linking art and business.

An artist’s vision requires a team effort. From Broadway to the movies, all production levels rely on collaboration from people with diverse skill sets whose roles help breathe life into art.

15 behind-the-scenes career paths in the arts

1. Producer: This title has many variations — executive producer, line producer, creative producer, field producer. A producer oversees and manages key production elements, guiding creative development, budgeting, and logistics, and keeping projects running smoothly, on schedule, and within budget.
2. Casting Director: These directors find and audition actors for film, TV, or theater roles, working with directors and producers to understand character needs and coordinate the casting process.
3. Agent/ Manager: These interconnected roles represent two distinct sides of talent management. Agents secure auditions, negotiate contracts, and book roles. Managers offer broader career guidance, helping their clients make decisions, build their brand, and navigate long-term goals.
4. Company Manager: A company manager handles a theatrical production or touring company’s practical needs. From managing payroll and housing to coordinating travel and schedules, these professionals get the performers and crew what they need to do their jobs effectively.
5. Stage Manager: Stage managers act as on-the-ground supervisors of live theatrical productions’ rehearsals and performances. They schedule and run rehearsals, record sound, lighting, and set cues, and communicate between the director and designers. Stage managers call technical cues to the crew and ensure the production runs seamlessly. 
6. Tour Manager: Tour managers keep tours running smoothly, handling logistics like travel, accommodations, and scheduling as the go-to problem solver on the road.
7. Venue Manager: Venue managers oversee the operations of a performance or event space. They supervise in-house staff, manage payroll, prepare the space, and act as the main point of contact for incoming productions. 
8. Production/ Post-Production Manager: These managers keep each step of a project organized and on track. Production managers coordinate a shoot or show’s logistical and technical aspects. Post-production managers oversee editing, sound mixing, visual effects, and final delivery.
9. Arts Administrator: These professionals handle the business and operational duties required to run arts organizations. They help the business side of the arts (budgets, fundraising, event planning, community outreach) to support the creative side.
10. Development Director: These directors secure the essential funding to support the arts. They often work at nonprofits or arts organizations, cultivating donor relationships, planning campaigns and events, writing proposals, and securing funding the organization needs to meet its goals.
11. Grant Writer: Winning funding requires strong proposals. Grant writers research opportunities, write applications, and tailor requests to funding sources.
12. Marketing/ PR Manager: These professionals find the audience for the artists. Marketing and PR managers promote productions or exhibitions, manage media relations, create campaigns, and use email and social media to engage audiences.
13. Museum Curator: A curator acquires the pieces, ensures their preservation and safety, and shapes the public’s experience with the collections. Museum curators develop exhibitions, write labels and catalogs, and provide context.
14. Gallery or Museum Registrar: Registrars handle the behind-the-scenes logistics of caring for art and artifacts. They manage records, oversee shipping and storage, coordinate item loans, and confirm documentation, insurance, and handling.
15. Art Archivist: Art archivists organize and maintain records, documents, and media collections, making sure valuable materials are accessible for research and protected for the future.

Essential business skills artists need to succeed

Making art for a living requires wearing two hats: creative and business professional. Transform your art into a full-time career with these skills:

• Marketing and self-promotion: Lack an agent, manager, or PR team? Advocate for yourself. Create an online portfolio/website, leverage social media, post flyers, and connect with local businesses and events.
• Time management and project planning: To stay productive and avoid burnout (especially if you’re balancing multiple things), learn to organize your schedule, set deadlines, and break big projects into smaller steps.  
• Financial literacy: Managing your finances is key to building a profitable artistic career. Build your financial literacy with a business class or two at a local community college, or connect with a mentor.
• Networking and relationship-building: Human connection matters. Being approachable, curious, respectful, and direct can make these interactions feel more natural.
• Contract and legal basics: A successful artistic career requires knowing the legal fundamentals, including contracts, copyrights, and intellectual property. A basic understanding of your rights can protect you from costly mistakes.

Because a career in the arts takes time to build, side jobs are often part of the journey.  Many artists may start as “artist/ something,” balancing creative work with day jobs. When seeking a side hustle or day job, consider if you want it to complement your creative skills (like a painter doing graphic design) or be completely different (like a writer working in a warehouse). The key? Finding work that pays the bills without draining your energy.

Balancing a job with creative pursuits is tricky, but you’re in good company. Meghan Markle worked as a calligrapher; Ozzy worked in a slaughterhouse. Who knows! Your day job could be the most surprising twist in your creative journey.