Artistic director
Also known as: artistic director for dance company, orchestra artistic director, festival director, artistic consultant, ballet director, venue programming director
About this occupation
Artistic directors are in charge of the programme of an artistic project or a cultural organisation. They are responsible for the strategic vision, the visibility and the quality of all kind of artistic activities and services such as theatre and dance companies. Artistic directors also manage staff, finances and policies.
Essential skills and knowledge
- delegate activities
- promote inclusion
- represent artistic production
- direct an artistic team
- work with cultural venue specialists
- coordinate artistic production
- manage logistics
- art-historical values
- monitor activities
- plan health and safety procedures
- corporate social responsibility
- develop professional network
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Architectural and Engineering Managers (O*NET 11-9041.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.
- Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
- Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.
- Prepare budgets, bids, or contracts.
- Present and explain proposals, reports, or findings to clients.
- Confer with management, production, or marketing staff to discuss project specifications or procedures.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Complex Problem Solving, Mathematics
US median pay: US$171,270 a year (2025), 220,260 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.3)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.3)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.9)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.9)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.7)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Project Management Specialists
- Industrial Engineers
- Logistics Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
- Architectural and Civil Drafters
- Mechatronics Engineers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Natural Sciences Managers
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.