Leadership in the Arts, B.A.

Next Steps

The Whitworth leadership in the arts major will equip you with the strategies and skills needed to be a leader in art organizations through creative project management, arts advocacy and administration. You will take coursework in a variety of areas, from studio art and art history to administration and leadership. You will also have many opportunities to gain hands-on experience, including creating projects for the Spokane community with your peers.

Why major in leadership in the arts at Whitworth?

Gain experience and explore career options through an internship at a museum, gallery or other arts organization. The major requires at least one internship under the supervision of a faculty member.
Tailor the major to your interests and goals. The major's many course options allow you to emphasize certain subjects, such as art history or business.
Build a variety of marketable skills, from grant writing to public relations to computer science basics.
Easily double major with another art discipline, such as combining leadership in the arts with an art studio major to assist your future success in marketing your artwork and receiving art grants and residencies.
Serve the local community with your classmates through the Community Arts in Practice class.
Draw inspiration from the vibrant Lied Arts Center. This beautiful, contemporary center houses six studios and two gallery spaces.
Join a tight-knit community of students and alumni that provides networking and support as you move into a career.
Travel the world through amazing off-campus study programs led by your professors.
Partner with faculty as a teaching assistant.
Connect your faith or worldview to your learning. Explore the fundamental connections between art and faith, and participate in discussions of ethics related to careers.
Become who you're meant to be.

Our leadership in the arts grads make a difference (and get jobs)

The Whitworth leadership in the arts major provides a foundation for a variety of vocations in the realms of fine arts, music and theatre. Grads are well-suited for such jobs as arts administrator, museum curator or educator, gallery curator, exhibition preparator or community arts administrator.

Recent job placements for Whitworth Art Department graduates include:

Hannah Hirano, museum services and conservation coordinator, Seattle Art Museum
Cody DeJardin, owner, Perspectives Global (fashion brand), Portland, Ore.
Sarah Carver, art teacher and yearbook supervisor, Mt. Spokane High School, Mead, Wash.
Carly Colby, graphic designer, Stuart Advertising, Spokane
Kellen Pacheco, architectural designer, ZGF Architects, Seattle

Our recent art department grads further their studies in top graduate programs at institutions including:

Arizona State University
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
Portland State University
Clemson University

Opportunities outside the classroom

Apply to be the assistant for Whitworth's permanent collection or Bryan Oliver Gallery, and learn how to manage a collection, organize and install exhibitions, handle artworks, and maintain records.
Join the art department club, the Artists' Cooperative.
Complete an internship. Leadership in the arts students are especially encouraged to participate in Whitworth's unique Smithsonian Internship Program in Washington, D.C.
Visit rotating professional art exhibits at Whitworth's Bryan Oliver Gallery.
Attend special exhibits in Spokane and beyond with your classmates.
Serve with your peers on Whitworth's Community Building Day by taking inventory of Whitworth's permanent collection and inspecting artworks for needed repairs.

Pack your bags!

Whitworth faculty members lead off-campus study programs around the country and the world that provide life-changing experiences with art, including exposure to significant museum collections. Programs that visit major destinations in Europe include British Culture through the Arts, Power & Politics of Art, History & Art in Rome, and Early Christian Sites in Greece. Or experience world-class art closer to home through the Art & Architecture in Chicago program.