CMAC | Centre for Musical Arts | UNB

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Centre for Musical Arts

Contemporary Management in Arts and Culture

Certificate program now in session

The purpose of arts and culture management is to connect business administration processes to the art world. The overarching goal is to reconcile these disciplines, which are potentially oppositional in nature. Business is usually concerned with practical aspects such as resource management, budgets, and improved efficiency, while the arts are seen as a form of expression that is not concerned with profit.

We have created a selection of offerings that can help you in this regard. We have a wonderful certificate program, as well as new intensive courses.

Certificate in contemporary management in arts and culture

The UNB Centre for Musical Arts, in association with ArtsLink NB and the Government of New Brunswick, is proud to offer our recently developed certificate in Contemporary Management in Arts and Culture (CMAC).

The CMAC certificate is a one-of-a-kind program built specifically for developing the skills and knowledge of people that aspire to be arts leaders in the Maritimes and across the country. Our certificate is offered online and designed to fit the needs of working professionals wishing to effectively lead their organizations, projects and ideas in today's changing ecosystem.

In one year, gain the knowledge you need to run or assist a thriving arts or cultural organization with a practical online certificate catered to those working in, or aspiring to work in the arts and cultural sectors. Build confidence and competencies to lead in arts and culture with knowledge in governance, leadership, planning, effective operations, relationship and revenue management.

This certificate includes one course per semester to allow students the flexibility to continue working in their current positions and take advantage of this professional development. Online class sessions will occur every other Friday from 10 a.m. to noon (Atlantic Time). The courses are packaged as a certificate upon successful completion.

You will gain access to online course material, interviews, virtual class sessions, professional mentorship, and more. All courses are taught with a view to both equity and sustainability.

Students should expect to commit an average of 8 to 12 hours biweekly for each course and 15 hours for the Capstone Project. The completion of all three courses plus the Capstone Project takes place over ten months.

Certificate

Introduction to Contemporary Arts and Cultural Management

An online overview of course content, facts and trends in the sector today will be complemented by a keynote address and panel discussion highlighting the contemporary Canadian issues in arts and culture.


Governance and Leadership (fall term)

This course will overview governance best practices, strategic planning, elements of leadership, entrepreneurship and:

  • Leadership and values
  • Management vs. entrepreneurship
  • Legal structures
  • Roles of boards and management
  • Strategic and business planning
  • Scenario planning
  • Project planning

Effective Operations (winter term)

This course will investigate current elements of human resources management, legal and financial management and digital practices for non-profits, including:

  • HR - the changing workplace
  • Labour relations in the arts
  • Legal - contracting and intellectual property
  • Financial management
  • Budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and risk management
  • Financial statements and accounting
  • Technology essentials/data literacy

Relationship and Revenue Management (summer term)

This course will examine cultural policy and advocacy approaches, community engagement plans, arts marketing and fundraising strategies, including:

  • Cultural policy and the public funding framework
  • Advocacy and making the case
  • Community engagement and network building
  • Marketing principles
  • Communications tools
  • Private sector fund raising
  • Grantsmanship principles

Capstone Project (summer term)

Students will use the knowledge gained from previous courses to develop and present a business plan for an arts organization.


Applications for the 2023-2024 CMAC program are now closed.

  • Applicants should apply early as enrolment is limited. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and will be accepted until limit is reached.
  • Ideal applicants have some university training and experience in the field of arts and culture, at an organizational level.
  • This certificate is open to all Canadians applicants. Subsidy can be applied to Canadian residents only.
  • There are 14 spots open for this session.
  • Program starts Sept. 15, 2023 and will end in June 2024.

Thanks to generous support from the Government of New Brunswick, most expenses for this year's program have been subsidized. We are glad to offer this certificate at a low cost to you.

Total price: $1,750
Subsidy: $1,000
You pay: $750


  • All courses are fully virtual
  • One course per semester during one calendar year
  • Tuition partially subsidized for this year's program
  • Instruction and interviews with senior professionals
  • Develop a capstone business plan as a take-away
  • Graduates will receive an official certificate of proficiency