Careers in arts and culture require a different approach than is usually supported by standard career counseling and job search information. The prevalence of nonstandard employment means that one must encourage the natural entrepreneurial tendencies of impassioned creative people, and apply them not only to the craft or artistic practice, but also to one's own career self-management.
The S.E.A.R.C.H. Program - Vancouver, BC
Please Note: Funding for this program was discontinued by Service Canada as of July 31, 2007, and the program has been suspended indefinitely.
- Employment Assistance Program for Cultural Workers
- Was funded by the Government of Canada as a job search program,no fee to participants
- Participants had to be unemployed or severely underemployed
The S.E.A.R.C.H. Program offered a unique solution to the situation of the un- and under-employed cultural worker – it incorporated elements of a self-employment assistance program into a short-term program that is accessible to non-E.I. clients. Our program tackled the most difficult and ubiquitous barriers to success that can keep creative people from maximizing their income opportunities. It worked to challenge attitudes and beliefs, expose ignorance and uncover aptitude. In short, it targeted the paradigm shift that must occur for the participants to move from 'where they are' to 'where they want to be'.
Peer-led and interactive, this unique program was a source of effective change for over 1800 cultural workers between December 1996 and its suspension at the end of July 2007. For more information, go to:
The Alliance for Arts and Culture
If you are interested in starting a program in your area, contact Judi Piggott.
Other Resources for Creative Careers
Careers in Culture (Cultural Human Resources Council
A series of guides and workbooks and an interactive web-based tool for students young and older to explore Canadian cultural career choices and development in eight different subsectors:
- Cultural Management
- Heritage
- Music and Sound Recording
- Visual Arts and Crafts
- Film and Broadcasting
- Live Performing Arts
- Writing and Publishing
There is also a Teacher's Guide for each of these career pathways.
The Art of Managing Your Career (Cultural Human Resources Council
A Manual for the self-employed creative. Built from the knowledge of Canadian cultural workers and employers, this is a relevant resource to help navigate a life of non-standard, freelance and project-based employment.
Getting Into the A.C.T.: A Practical Guide to Arts Career Trends in BC
This booklet is out of print now although copies are still in circulation. However, the interactive website is still available (last checked Mar. 2 2009)
