TAFE NSW’s new Certificate IV in Arts and Cultural Administration qualification offered exclusively at Castle Hill and Kingswood is opening doors to graduates to work in art galleries, museums and performing arts centres across the state.
The new qualification provides practical hands-on experience and training specific to the arts and cultural events industry, delivering a pipeline of administrators to support galleries, museums, artists, and curators in bringing art exhibitions and events to life.
The course is designed and taught by industry professional Sheona White, who has impressive career and industry experience, including her role as the Head of Public and Education Programs at Art Gallery of NSW.
Dan Kyle is an example of the high-quality students TAFE NSW is training to meet skills demand now and into the future.
An established artist from the Hawkesbury area, the 35-year-old, is a Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship recipient whose works have been exhibited across the country, including Parliament House in Canberra.
His next solo exhibition is at Brisbane’s Edwina Corlette Gallery in November.
“I’m doing the Certificate IV in Arts and Cultural Administration course at TAFE NSW so I can become skilled up to put my hat in the ring for higher-paying jobs in the sector, such as public programs, and exhibition coordinating and eventually curating,” said Dan.
“I think the quality of the teaching is the reason I’m enjoying the course so much; being taught by someone like Sheona White at TAFE NSW Nepean is an absolute privilege.
“The qualification has provided me with a breadth of skills and knowledge and an incredible overview of the industry, as well as key management skills, which are important for working in the industry.”
Sheona White said: “Working in creative arts administration offers a unique blend of diversity and depth, with a range of career opportunities for students to pursue, from curators to registrars, archivists, program producers, exhibition, and collection teams; the work is not just behind the scenes, but also at the forefront of shaping our cultural landscape.”
Cath Barcan, who heads the visual arts curriculum and programs at TAFE NSW Nepean, said “the great news is the part-time course design – one day a week onsite, three hours per week online – makes it easier for people to work and study at the same time”.
Across Australia, 23,700 more creative arts workers will be needed by November 2026, according to 2021 census figures. This includes the unsung heroes of the sector – the arts administrators – who play a crucial role behind the scenes, nurturing curator’s and artists’ ideas and supporting arts and cultural organisations to flourish.
Enrolments are now being accepted for Terms 3 and 4 at TAFE NSW Castle Hill and Kingswood, respectively.
For course and enrolment information, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.
