Who wants to become an arts manager? : A survey on applicants to master's programmes in arts and cultural management in France

摘要

Master's programmes in arts and cultural management require a wide range of skills (solid academic results in multiple disciplines, personal experience and involvement in the arts field, linguistic skills, personal and relational abilities) but they prepare students for an uncertain future in terms of employment and remuneration. Nevertheless they enjoy great success among French students. This apparent paradox has led me to investigate the social genesis of vocations for cultural management. My analysis of this genesis is based on a survey on applicants to these programmes, which sheds light on their sociological profiles and their motivations. I show that this career aspiration may stem from ethical motives, strategies against social downgrading or conversions of artistic vocations.