In a nutshell:
- Work-study courses in culture offer a balance between theory and practice in a variety of institutions such as institutions, museums, art galleries and festivals.
- Participants acquire theoretical and practical skills while benefiting from real-life work experience.
- Work-linked host establishments include various cultural institutions such as museums, libraries, theatres and festivals.
- To work in culture, it’s essential to undergo specialist training, choose a culture or art related major, gain practical experience and develop a professional network.
- Sup de Pub offers a Masters of Science in Communication for the Cultural and Creative Industries, providing comprehensive training and practical work-study experience in the cultural field.
What is a Work-Study course in culture?
A Work-study training in the cultural field is an educational and professional program that enables students and young professionals to combine periods of theoretical study with periods of practical work. This can take place in cultural institutions such as museums, art galleries, cultural centres, libraries, archives, theatres, festivals and many others.
This approach to learning enables participants to develop both theoretical and practical skills. Students gain valuable experience in their field of interest in a real-life working environment.
How does a work-study training scheme work?
A work-study course in the cultural field can take a variety of forms, depending on the specific institutions and programs involved. Generally speaking, however, the process involves a combination of periods spent in the classroom or in theoretical training and periods of practical work within a cultural organisation. Participants may be assigned to various departments or services depending on their interests and professional goals, such as conservation, education, programming, collections management or communication. During their period of practical work, they are supervised by experienced professionals who guide them in their learning and professional development.
Which establishments offer work-linked training in the cultural sector?
The host establishments for a work-study placement in culture are varied and include a range of cultural institutions, including :
- museums: cultural institutions that preserve, study and exhibit collections of artistic, historical, scientific or cultural objects;
- art galleries: spaces dedicated to exhibiting and promoting contemporary or historic works of art;
- libraries and archives: institutions that preserve and make available collections of books, documents, periodicals, archives and other cultural resources;
- theatres and concert halls: venues for artistic performances including theatre, dance, music and other forms of live entertainment;
- festivals and cultural events: temporary events celebrating various aspects of culture such as music, film, literature and crafts.
How do you work in culture?
Working in the field of culture can be an exciting aspiration for many people. To achieve this, it is essential to follow a suitable educational and professional pathway. Here are some of the key steps you need to take if you want to work in culture:
- Specialist training
The first step is to acquire specialist training in the fields of culture, the arts, marketing or communications. University degrees, professional training programs or certifications can be useful in developing the necessary skills.
- Choosing a specialisation
The field of culture is vast and diverse. It is important to choose a specialisation that matches your interests and skills. This could include cultural management, conservation, cultural communication, cultural mediation or other.
- Gaining practical experience
Practical experience is essential for success in the cultural field. This can be gained through work placements, part-time jobs, voluntary work or sandwich courses in cultural institutions such as museums, art galleries and festivals.
- Developing a professional network
Networking is crucial in the cultural sector. It’s important to take part in cultural events, conferences and professional meetings, and to forge links with other professionals in the sector.
- Continuing training and development
The field of culture is constantly evolving. It’s important to keep abreast of trends, developments and innovations in the sector, and to continue training and development throughout your career.
Where can you get work-linked training in culture?
One option for work-linked training in the cultural sector is to join specialised educational establishments offering tailored programs. One such communication school Sup de Pub, which offers a specific program for marketing and communication in the cultural field.
The MSc in Communication for Cultural and Creative Industries program offered by Sup de Pub on its Paris and Lyon campuses is designed to train students in the specific features of the cultural sector. This program combines in-depth theoretical courses with periods of practical work in companies. It enables students to develop practical skills while gaining valuable professional experience.
By choosing a work-study course like the one offered by Sup de Pub, students can benefit from significant practical experience while gaining a recognised qualification in the cultural field.