As a graduate student at the DAN School, you will develop fundamental skills in all aspects of leadership and management.
Through your coursework, you will build knowledge and skills about strategic planning and thinking, with a specific focus on comprehensive revenue development in arts marketing and philanthropy, artistic producing, contract negotiations and labour relations, financial and management accounting, and creative entrepreneurship.
The DAN School offers two graduate programs:
- a Graduate Diploma in Arts Management and
- a Master of Arts in Arts Leadership degree.
Timelines and courses of instruction for these programs are listed below.
Graduate Diploma in Arts Management
Our Graduate Diploma in Arts Management is a 4-month diploma in which students take 5 courses in artistic producing, marketing, philanthropy, human resources for the arts, and accounting. As a student in this hybrid Summer intensive program (May – August), you will take all courses online in addition to a two-week intensive hosted at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts in Kingston.
Required Courses (complete all 5):
Learn about audience development, market research, marketing budgets and forecasts, and more. Students will apply the principles of audience development, audience diversity, arts marketing, and multiple income-generating streams; generate marketing plans; conduct market research; and implement all aspects of arts marketing handled in an arts marketing department. Active learning projects include generating marketing budgets and forecasts using analytics and metrics and creating a strategic marketing plan.
This course includes a capstone project which will be a group investigative field study of an arts organization and best arts marketing practices (national and international) that culminates in a final written and oral presentation which will include recommendations to the arts organization being examined.
Using a variety of learning experiences, including case studies, readings from the literature, and interactions with industry leaders, you will develop a comprehensive overview of philanthropic concepts, trends, and strategies along with practical fundraising skills as you develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals who work in development departments in non-profit arts organizations, including museums.
This course, offered through the Master’s of Industrial Relations program, introduces the basic principles and skills in accounting and finance that are relevant to employment relations specialists. Topic areas may vary from year to year but typically include financial concepts, statements and tools, principles of accounting, budgeting processes, financial forecasting, costing and reporting, and the regulatory regime.
Students will acquire a working knowledge of the rights and needs of artists, artist unions and associations, relevant requirements of labour law, AODA and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, collective bargaining processes, and negotiating contracts. Students will learn to plan negotiation approaches within a contractual framework, utilize critical analytical thinking within a legal framework, succeed in a team-based environment, learn communication and persuasive skills, analyze financial and other impacts of contractual amendments, create a contract, and present a contract for ratification.
Students will be introduced to the role of Artistic Producer, which combines the positions of Artistic Director and General Manager. Concepts and skills covered will include strategic planning and execution, mapping and realizing artistic vision, management of day-to-day operations, and planning and critical paths for various organizational sizes.
Master of Arts in Arts Leadership
The Master of Arts in Arts Leadership is a 12-month hybrid Professional Master's program that combines graduate coursework (7 courses) plus a capstone course that includes a paid internship at a professional arts organization and a capstone written report.
Term One: Summer Term
Required Courses (complete all 5):
Learn about audience development, market research, marketing budgets and forecasts, and more. Students will apply the principles of audience development, audience diversity, arts marketing, and multiple income-generating streams; generate marketing plans; conduct market research; and implement all aspects of arts marketing handled in an arts marketing department. Active learning projects include generating marketing budgets and forecasts using analytics and metrics and creating a strategic marketing plan.
This course includes a capstone project which will be a group investigative field study of an arts organization and best arts marketing practices (national and international) that culminates in a final written and oral presentation which will include recommendations to the arts organization being examined.
Using a variety of learning experiences, including case studies, readings from the literature, and interactions with industry leaders, you will develop a comprehensive overview of philanthropic concepts, trends, and strategies along with practical fundraising skills as you develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals who work in development departments in non-profit arts organizations, including museums.
This course, offered through the Master’s of Industrial Relations program, provides an introduction to the basic principles and skills in accounting and finance that are relevant to employment relations specialists. Topic areas may vary from year to year but typically include financial concepts, statements and tools, principles of accounting, budgeting processes, financial forecasting, costing and reporting, and the regulatory regime.
Students will acquire a working knowledge of the rights and needs of artists, artist unions and associations, relevant requirements of labour law, AODA and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, collective bargaining processes, and negotiating contracts. Students will learn to plan negotiation approaches within a contractual framework, utilize critical analytical thinking within a legal framework, succeed in a team-based environment, learn communication and persuasive skills, analyze financial and other impacts of contractual amendments, create a contract, and present a contract for ratification.
Students will be introduced to the role of Artistic Producer, which combines the positions of Artistic Director and General Manager. Concepts and skills covered will include strategic planning and execution, mapping and realizing artistic vision, management of day-to-day operations, and planning and critical paths for various organizational sizes.
Term Two: Fall Term
Required Course:
This course introduces concepts and models of leadership and governance, including legal and fiduciary responsibilities, funding strategies, and organizational evaluation. Students will learn how to develop mission and vision statements, work with a Board of Directors, and navigate cultural policies. Projects will include work on leadership approaches, strategic planning, and grant writing. We will take advantage of the small class size to focus on areas of interest within the overall topics that appeal most to class members.
Elective Course (choose 1):
This course examines principles and models of leadership about and through various artistic practices. Students will develop a deep understanding of how leadership can manifest, and identify the tools and approaches they can use as leaders of various-sized organizations. The course investigates the unique outcomes that make artistic projects and organizations successful, and learners are encouraged to reflect on their personal strengths and vulnerabilities as leaders who provide value that extends value beyond the balance sheet.
Students complete an independent project with a faculty supervisor. Proposal required. Limited availability.
Term Three: Winter Term
Required Course:
This course has an internship and a capstone report. Students will complete a 12-16 week internship at an arts organization. At the same time, they will also explore a topic or need that is relevant to the organization in which they are working. Students will conduct a SWOT analysis and complete a short proposal to outline their project. Throughout the term, they will work with a faculty mentor who will provide guidance and support of their research. Successful completion of this course includes successful completion of your placement and an oral presentation and written report on your research topic. Your written report will be submitted to your faculty advisor.