Kei London is pleased to share that our founder, Arash Shahnavaz, will be teaching the Arts Management Short Course at University of the Arts London (Chelsea College of Arts) on April 2026.
This short course offers a practical introduction to how the art world operates - including the roles, organisational models, and real-world processes involved in developing and delivering arts projects. It is designed for people with ideas who want a clearer understanding of how to turn those ideas into a viable programme, exhibition, event series or creative business direction.
What the Arts Management Short Course covers
According to UAL, the course is built around the fundamental skills needed to build a career in the arts, with an emphasis on the not-for-profit sector and collaborative working. Students learn through presentations, exercises, case studies and feedback, and between sessions they complete a short research task that supports personal development and early strategy-building.
Topics include:
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building a career in the arts in the uk
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setting up a not-for-profit arts organisation
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curating and project management
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memberships and networking
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strategic partnerships and collaborative working
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touring models
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press releases
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social media marketing
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funding and "money matters"
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applying for jobs and gaining experience
For artists, freelancers, and creative founders, these areas directly connect to the day-to-day realities of professional practice: planning, communicating, budgeting, building partnerships, and understanding how institutions and audiences engage with contemporary work.
Why this matters for artists: professional clarity supports creative momentum
At Kei London, we work with artists across different stages of development - from early career to established practitioners - and a recurring theme is that creative progress accelerates when professional decisions become clearer.
That includes understanding:
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how arts organisations make decisions (and what they need to say "yes")
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how to structure a project so it is feasible, fundable and promotable
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how to communicate your work for different audiences: curators, partners, funders, collectors and press
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how to use networks and memberships strategically rather than randomly
Connecting the course to Kei London's artist management approach
Kei London is a London-based art agency focused on supporting artists through curated opportunities and market engagement.
From an artist management perspective, the most valuable outcomes often come from combining:
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strong artistic identity and consistency, and
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clear professional systems - planning, project management, communications, and partnership strategy
Who the course is for
This course is ideal for freelancers, creative start-ups, entrepreneurs, aspiring curators, and anyone with ideas looking for a foundation in arts management.
If you're an artist building toward exhibitions, collaborations, or a more sustainable practice, the course may be especially useful as a structured overview of "how things work" in the UK context.
How to find course information and book
Full details, dates and booking information are available on UAL's course page: Arts Management Short Course - Chelsea College of Arts (UAL).
If you're considering taking the course, visit the UAL page via the link above. For artists who are also exploring longer-term professional support, you can learn more about Kei London's artist management and art agency services via our website navigation.
