Careers Profiles

Cultural Services Officer

You could be booking a big name band one day and helping families on a rundown estate mount their first community festival the next. You could be promoting events, liaising with local arts groups and individuals, or organising funding: it all depends on which council you work for.

This role is relatively new and that’s why the job varies from council to council, with no standard job description.

Some councils limit cultural services to libraries and museums, while others like Brighton include libraries, museums, leisure centres, tourism, arts, two swimming pools and the Royal Pavilion under the cultural services banner.

Cultural services officers may have links to sport, leisure and education, and even regeneration projects. They help local authorities maintain and improve the social fabric of the community. As quality of life has become increasingly important, the role of the cultural services officer has in turn become more prominent.

The skills and experience you need

Degrees in arts administration, libraries and tourism are all popular within cultural services, as are qualifications linked to museums and heritage.

Cultural services officers come from a wide range of backgrounds. You may have experience in arts administration, arts development, community arts or as an events officer.

What is essential is to be a good communicator. You will be talking to the public, meeting with councillors and arts organisations, probably representing your local authority at regional and national conferences, and you will be expected to produce clear and concise reports.

Likely employer types

  • Local authorities
  • Regional cultural agencies
  • Freelance consultant

Salary ranges

Responsibilities vary so there is no standard pay structure for the position. Arts development officers and arts administrators, who are comparable, earn in the region of £24,000. The head of arts, festivals and events at a big city council can expect to earn up to £45,000.

More information