Visual and Performing Arts

The visual and performing arts, also known as 'the arts', are part of the liberal arts. Including areas like theater, music, studio art and graphic design, the visual and performing arts is a field of study for those who wish to make a career out of their creativity. Read on to find out more about this area.

Inside the Visual and Performing Arts

The visual and performing arts are the scholarly and practical study of a wide variety of artistic techniques and styles. According to The College Board, even those wishing to pursue a general degree in the visual and the performing arts are usually trained for a career in a specific art form, be it theater, studio art, dance or music (www.collegeboard.com). Within the visual and performing arts or the branch chosen, training focuses on both the history and theory of the discipline as well as the actual practice of professional life therein. For example, The College Board states that in pursuing a bachelor's degree in theater, students both read and discuss historical plays, as well as engage in hands-on experiential learning through building sets, designing lighting or acting in plays. In studio art degree programs, students often work in a variety of mediums, creating actual art objects, while learning about art history and theory.

There's a range of vocational opportunities for those with training and aptitude in the visual and performing arts. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports, for example, that graphic designers today usually not only need familiarity with the technology and techniques of graphic design, but also a bachelor's degree or better in graphic design or fine arts (www.bls.gov).

While the BLS expected competition for graphic design jobs to be somewhat heavy from 2008-2018, with only an average (13%) increase in available positions, those with skills in web and animation design were expected to be in the most demand. In May 2010, the BLS reported median salaries of $33,200-$58,600 for the middle two percentiles of graphic designers.

Some of the visual and performing arts don't require extensive postsecondary education. The BLS indicates that dancers, for instance, generally rely upon training beginning at a much younger age and may or may not pursue postsecondary degrees in dance (as of May 2010, dancers had an average hourly wage of $16.55). Choreographers, on the other hand, although working in much the same field and relying upon similar knowledge, do in fact require extensive postsecondary education in order to teach others, according to the BLS. In 2010, they reportedly earned an average hourly wage of $20.25 or an average annual salary of $42,110.

Learn More About the Visual and Performing Arts

Within the visual and performing arts is a range of educational opportunities and potential careers. Students in this field choose a specific art to study and learn both the theory of and the practical skills necessary to succeed professionally in that art. Education-Portal.com provides a wealth of information to help you choose the educational options that are right for you and the corresponding vocation.

Degree Options

Degree programs within the visual and performing arts generally focus narrowly on one particular discipline, such as theater or studio art. Within that discipline, however, they may require training in a range of skills, such as sculpting and painting for studio arts programs. Here are a few articles to help determine the program that's right for you.

Career Options

Perhaps unsurprisingly, one's career options within visual and performing arts are closely tied to one's educational achievement and aptitudes for a given art. These links can help explain more about employment options in the arts.

Distance Learning Options

While most programs in the visual and fine arts require hands-on education at a college campus in order to hone one's skills, there are distance learning options available. There are even free classes in some areas, although these generally don't contribute towards a degree. The provided links will explain more.

Visual and Performing Arts Related Articles

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Performing and Visual Arts Colleges: How to Choose

Many performing and visual artists work as independent contractors, taking on new freelance work assignments or roles each year. Others work...

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): Visual Communications Degree Overview

Visual communications is an area of design that focuses on the creation and distribution of visual messages. Individuals who earn Bachelor...

Associate of Arts (AA): Visual Journalism Degree Overview

Visual journalists utilize both words and images to tell stories and communicate information; often, they use more photos and creative...

Around the World in 80 Seconds: 10 Free Sites to Tour the Globe
Ever wish you could take a tour of the world? Maybe school, work or limited funds make this dream impossible for the moment. Not to worry....
List of Free Online American History Courses and Classes
See our list of the top free online American history courses. Learn about what courses are available and what topics they cover to find the...
Master Carpenter Certification Information and Requirements

After many years of practice and apprenticeship, a carpenter can reach the highest level of his or her profession; however, there is no true...

Web Design Degree Programs in Florida

There are more than 20 schools in Florida that have Web design programs. Read an overview of 10 of the largest schools' programs,...

14 Popular Schools

Popular Schools