UNB’s certificate in Contemporary Management in Arts and Culture (CMAC) is an affordable part-time, ten-month program designed specifically to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence of those aspiring to be arts and culture leaders in the Maritimes or across Canada.
This practical, interactive and fully online program is tailored for early-career working professionals wishing to effectively lead their organizations, projects and ideas with a solid knowledge base in today’s rapidly changing ecosystem.
CMAC’s cohort-based program includes three courses and a capstone project. Participants learn from leaders in the field from the Atlantic region and across Canada through on-demand lectures, interviews with experts and virtual discussions.
It is an ideal opportunity to share and network with colleagues in varied disciplines from across the country.
Start date: Sept. 5, 2025 *
Application deadline: July 21, 2025 (Apply early; limited enrolment).
Relevant, practical training: The curriculum is designed in consultation with arts and culture professionals to ensure a balance of contemporary sector specifics and business acumen.
Small cohort approach: With limited enrolment, the program offers valuable opportunities for interaction.
Flexible online format: With one course per semester over ten months, the program is structured for working professionals. Virtual classes are held every other Friday, with additional coursework completed independently.
Experienced instructors: Learn from senior industry professionals and gain insights through exclusive interviews and mentorship opportunities.
National networking: Connect and collaborate with peers from across Canada, building a supportive professional network.
Official university certificate of proficiency upon completion.
Duration: Sept. 5, 2025, 10 months (September - June).
Format: Fully online both synchronous and asynchronous, cohort-based.
Class schedule: Two hours every other Friday (Atlantic Time), plus independent coursework.
Workload: 8 - 12 hours biweekly per course; 15 hours for the Capstone Project.
Enrollment: Limited to 15 participants for a personalized experience.
The program aims to cover traditional areas of concern for cultural managers as well as some of the key issues being addressed by the sector today and into the future.
The context looks at Canadian organizations, large and small, non-profit and entrepreneurial with some focus on the needs and issues in the Atlantic provinces.
| Term | Course | Key topics |
|---|---|---|
| Kick-off | Introduction to Contemporary Arts and Culture Management | Sector trends, keynote address, panel with culture leaders on Canadian issues. |
| Fall | Leadership, Governance and Planning | Governance best practices, strategic/business planning, leadership, legal structures, entrepreneurship. |
| Winter | Effective Operations | Financial management, budgeting, HR management, labour relations, legal/IP, technology essentials. |
| Spring | Relationship and Revenue Management | Advocacy and cultural policy, community engagement, marketing, fundraising, grantsmanship. |
| Wrap-up | Capstone Project | Develop and present a high-level business plan for an arts organization. |
Application deadline: July 21, 2025 (Apply early; limited enrolment).
Eligibility: Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents with some post-secondary training and work experience in arts and culture.
Tuition: $2,600 total.
Bursary: $1,000 available for eligible New Brunswick participants.
Advance your career and make a meaningful impact in Canada’s arts and culture sector. Apply now to secure your place in this practical and forward-thinking certificate program.
Unique in the Atlantic provinces, this recently developed program is offered with support from the Government of New Brunswick in conjunction with Artslink NB.
(506) 458-7259
conserv@unb.ca
