Artists turn to higher education to survive the economic downturn

Artists turn to higher education to survive the economic downturn

Although most industries have had to adopt new strategies in order to survive the recession, the arts community has been particularly hurt by the economic downturn. Consequently, many artists are seeking campus-based and online masters programs that can teach them to use their skills in more lucrative positions.

For example, many artists are learning the basics of web design in order to land jobs in this fast-growing field, according to the Indiana Daily Student.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for computer specialists is expected to grow by 13 percent over the next eight years, which could result in the creation of as many as 27,500 new positions.

Individuals who are applying to these jobs are often required to submit a portfolio of their work, which is a task that artists often struggle with, according to the news source. As a result, students who take classroom-based or online courses that teach them to showcase their work could increase their chances of launching a new career. In addition, they may gain the skills they will need to better promote the products of their passions, such as paintings or sculptures.

By Stefanie Hughes