career awareness post: cultural policy analytics

In my research for this post, I wasn’t entirely sure what to focus on: I’m not at all interested in something like a museum curator or full-time artist, despite my love for art creation, and wanted to focus on something that was at least adjacent to my future career in the law and government fields. So, I settled on looking into what it means to be a cultural policy analyst. 

Such analysts usually work on the development and analysis of government policies that affect the art world, like labor policies, artist grants, public art, censorship, and historic preservation efforts. Cultural policy analysts can work for a variety of organizations either internally or externally to the government, including art organizations or advocacy groups, research organizations, the federal government, or even non-artistic interest groups who still want to consider how their goals affect those of artists. 

The life of a cultural policy analyst varies widely depending on which of those companies they work for. To be an analyst who works much more closely in the art field, employers may look for a background in art history with a wider focus in political science or government. In a much more academic field dealing more with the law, it may even be helpful to have attended a law school program with a focus in art law or intellectual property, or to have experience with political lobbying or campaign work. On a regular day (once again dependent on their organization or corporate status), analysts may work on the drafting of new policies or the creation of policy reports for the higher-ups at their organization. Similarly, they may work on proposing new policies to their local or the federal legislature in order to improve the lives of those who are involved in the art world. They are also likely to work in the research and reporting field, working on policy research and data analytics for existing policies that may negatively or positively affect art accessibility. Such careers also involve notable collaboration and engagement with the government, including collaboration with federal agencies or art nonprofits, as well as lobbying with policymakers during which a cultural policy analyst would present their research or drafted policies in order to advocate for changes to government policy. Lastly, many cultural policy analysts, especially those who work for the government, are heavily involved in the analysis and creation of grants for artists or organizations. 

In terms of credentials and degrees that could be necessary for different positions in cultural policy analysts, it depends on what company or specific job people work for. If I chose to go into a more legal occupation, I would need a bachelor’s degree in any subject, likely related to government with a potential art minor, as well as a J.D. law degree from any accredited law school. Any other job would likely not require a J.D., but would still require a B.A. in a political science, public policy, or government field with a potential minor or concentration in the art field. There are lots of incredible Virginia colleges and graduate schools that could help me attain these degrees - UVA, William and Mary, and the University of Richmond are all well-known for their focus on government as well as their law schools, which would make them ideal places to pursue such degrees and careers. 

I’m not sure that I would ever actually become a cultural policy analyst - I’m much more interested in other types of law, government policy, and international relations - but I can definitely see myself interacting with cultural policy analysts in my future career, so it’s good to learn about adjacent fields to my future career well in advance.