Portfolio Program in Arts and Cultural Management and Entrepreneurship

The Portfolio in Arts and Cultural Management and Entrepreneurship is a certification program that provides students with cross-disciplinary theoretical and practical training related to the management and governance of arts and cultural organizations, and/or the business dimensions of an entrepreneurial artistic career. Further goals are to promote greater interaction among students, faculty, and others working in areas related to these fields; provide increased visibility and offerings in the field on campus, and; promote interaction between Austin’s cultural community and UT-Austin students, faculty, and others with an interest in arts and cultural management and entrepreneurship. The Portfolio is jointly sponsored by the College of Fine Arts and the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, and engages faculty from across the university.

Program Requirements

The Portfolio combines coursework and exposure to conceptual underpinnings of the field with practical skills and “hands-on” experience. Toward that end, students are required to complete the following four requirements:

  • Completion of four courses (12 credit hours) from a list of approved courses, including a minimum of one “core course.” At least two courses must be outside the student’s home department (cross-listed courses count as outside the home department).
  • Completion of 40 hours of volunteer or paid work at a cultural institution, or in a culture-related program at another type of institution (e.g., school, hospital, etc.). Internships may be counted toward this requirement.
  • Attendance at one skills-based training session a year.
  • Participation in an annual culminating event of student presentations.

Upon graduation, the student's transcript will reflect certification that the student has completed the graduate portfolio in Arts and Cultural Management and Entrepreneurship.

Eligibility and Application Process

The Portfolio in Arts and Cultural Management and Entrepreneurship is open to all University of Texas students currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral level degree in good standing in their departments. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and permission of their graduate adviser. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Download the application form.