The Arts, Entertainment and Recreation sector includes a wide range of establishments that operate facilities or provide services to meet various cultural, entertainment, and recreational interests of their patrons. There are innumerable career paths one could choose within this broad industry. Look at some of the information below to better understand how to start working towards your dream career in this industry.
How to Get Started
Combine talent with knowledge; make sure you educate yourself about the arts sector in general and your field in particular. This level of preparation will better ensure you have the opportunity to showcase your passion AND your professionalism. Here is a great place to start, and make sure you scroll down the entire list to find what jumps out for you:
- Resources on Arts + Culture:
- Business in Vancouver Lists:
- Studios in Vancouver:
- Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation
- North Shore Studios
- The Cutting Room (Fashion)
Hone your resume and cover letter to fit with your preferred discipline within the sector
Conduct informational interviews
Meet a couple alumni in your industry of interest - ask your B+MM Career Coach to facilitate alumni connections.
Stay connected with your B+MM career coaches and network, network, network!
- Attend the Arts BC Conference
What to Read
When reading an article, take a few notes and highlight 2 or 3 key points that you may want to bring up in an interview or cover-letter, or simply to inform your next step.
Industry Trend Reports
- Statistical Insights on the Arts (Hill Strategies)
- 2016 Entertainment & Media Industry Trends (by PwC)
- “Culture: Urban Future Report.” October 2016”
- BC Arts Council: Strategic Plan 2009-2013 (pdf)
Books
- Arts & Entertainment: Career in Focus (book)
- Monetizing Entertainment: An Insider’s Handbook for Careers in the Entertainment & Music Industry (book)
- Career Opportunities in the Film Industry (book)
What to Join
Joining a network related to your field of interest demonstrates that you are serious about learning and contributing to that sector. Moreover, such networks are often underutilized by students for their resources and connections, so it can provide a significant competitive advantage.
- BC Alliance for Arts + Culture: “The Alliance represents members from across the artistic disciplines, including organizations, professional associations, not-for-profit groups, artists and cultural workers throughout British Columbia.”
- Meetup groups in Vancouver
Where to Look for Jobs & Volunteer Opportunities
- Arts Club Theatre Company
- Art Starts (a database of artists)
- Arts Umbrella
- Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
- BC Alliance for Arts + Culture
- Canada Council for the Arts
- Creative BC
- DOXA Documentary Film Festival
- Electronic Arts
- Entertainment One
- Emily Carr
- National Film Board
- Talent Agencies
- The Children’s Festival
- Theatre Under the Stars
- Vancouver Art Gallery
- Vancouver Opera
Continuing Education Opportunities