New Master of Arts Management Program Prepares Graduates for Leadership Roles in Arts, Culture, Heritage Sector Leaders
12-month professional master’s program launching fall 2025 blends artistic talent and arts theory with practical business learning through paid co-op placements
Trent University’s new Master of Arts Management program, launching in September 2025, will equip graduates to thrive as leaders in the vast and varied arts, culture, and heritage sectors through the development of foundational knowledge as well as career experience in a hands-on 12-week paid co-op placement.
“In Canada and around the world, arts and culture is big business, encompassing museums, art galleries, tourism, performing arts, and music. Trent’s new Arts Management master’s program is about teaching the varied yet complementary disciplines of the arts and business to support career success for students aspiring to work in and enhance the cultural sector,” said Suzanne Bailey, associate dean of Graduate Studies at Trent. “By helping students develop both their creativity and strategic thinking, our graduates will be well-prepared to lead in arts management and shape the future of cultural production and policy.”
The new full-time master’s program, which is now open for applications, is an ideal fit for graduates from humanities and social science programs, including Canadian or Cultural Studies, English and History, as well as arts-focused majors including film, fine art, or design. The programs’ exploration of modern arts management and policy, budgeting, leadership, and marketing challenges will allow students to develop a stronger business acumen.
Reflecting Trent University’s commitment to hands-on career opportunities, the master’s program features a 12-week paid co-op placement, where students have the opportunity to work directly with arts organizations like museums, theatres, galleries, government agencies, and NGOs. This applied learning component is designed to deepen students’ understanding of arts policy, administrative skills and management thinking, and problem-solving skills, ultimately enhancing their career prospects.
The program also integrates Indigenous content, addressing topics such as repatriation of cultural artifacts and Indigenous data sovereignty, aligning with the University’s long-standing commitment to Indigenous education and perspectives. This distinct focus, combined with global perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches featured in the program, ensures that graduates are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to the arts sector, both in Canada and internationally.
The M.A. program’s tailored curriculum addresses the demand for business management skills, showcasing the value of this expertise for graduates from humanities programs. Focusing on professional competence, ethical leadership, and informed decision-making, Trent’s new Master of Arts Management will produce graduates ready to excel professionally and creatively.
Applications are now open for the Master of Arts Management program. Learn more through the School of Graduate Studies at Trent.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information contact:
Olivia Flynn, Communications & Media Relations Officer, Recruitment, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 ext. 7747 or oliviaflynn@trentu.ca.
