The purposes of arts and culture go beyond providing a living for those working in the sector. Without vibrant cultural industries, not only are the needs of the audience likely to be neglected, but cultural expression itself can suffer. An appropriate range of opportunities to make a reasonable living and to benefit from good working conditions Continuing professional development in artistic, business, professional, and other skills, including opportunities to engage in high quality training, customised to their professional needs Access to advice about career development and pathways Good links between initial training or tertiary education and the artistic, business, commercial and or professional competences demanded by the world of work, including, as appropriate, formal qualifications which recognise prior attainment. Opportunities for training and continuing professional development are essential. Many of those working in the sector do not have conventional career patterns, and for some opportunities to engage in planned professional development are limited.
Training can come in various forms and is frequently on the job training or coaching.
Tertiary education institutions, commercial organisations and funded bodies are playing an increasingly important role in meeting people's training needs. However, there is significant variability across the country. What is needed is better information about the range, quality and location of what is available so that decisions can be made about how to improve provision. It is widely recognised that those working in the cultural sector can learn from the mainstream business sector. However, there is now a growing awareness of the potential contribution that artists and cultural organisations can make to training for the business community.