Careers

Artist Liaison

Artist Liaison can be one element of a job, or it can be a whole job in itself. This role plays a key part in ensuring artists are managed and supported before and during events.

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Also known as:

N/A

Skill Level:

Entry level to mid-tier

What does someone do in Artist Liaison?

Working in artist liaison means that you are working directly with artists and their managers or record labels. You have to be calm, professional, and considerate, as you are dealing with VIP guests. This type of work tends to be involved with live events. This can be live panels, gigs, festivals, and awards shows. This element of work is sometimes part of another role, like a festival coordinator, or it can sometimes be a full role in itself. Mainly, those working in artist liaison would be in contact with artist managers to look after their artists for the duration of an event, and then ensure the artists are looked after on-site. This may include managing rider lists, VIP/guest areas, booking artists, and admin. They will manage the delivery of necessary equipment or refreshments, liaising with other teams to ensure a smooth process. They will be proactive in finding solutions to problems and identifying areas for improving processes.

What are they good at?

The dynamic and diverse nature of live events means that artists need to be supported while they are on-site. They need to know where to go, when they’re performing, and how to navigate the event. With this in mind, someone working in artist liaison needs the ability to work under pressure and in such an environment, with time frames being quite tight and strict. It requires someone who is very organised and adaptable.

Other required attitudes, behaviours & interpersonal skills associated with this professional workplace include:

  • The ability to work as part of a team, which may vary in size and dynamic.
  • A passion for the festival’s style of music or performing arts.
  • The ability to work and remain calm & safe under pressure.
  • A safe attitude – specifically regarding working with VIP’s, the public, manual handling & noise.
  • The ability to adapt to change with enthusiasm.
  • The ability to demonstrate problem-solving abilities.
  • A willingness to work unsociable hours in varying locations for extended periods.
  • Punctuality, reliability and personal responsibility.
  • The ability to be an effective communicator.
  • Strong organisational skills.
  • Being able to work with VIP’s in a professional and confident manner.

In addition to this, there are a multitude of skills that are desirable to have as someone working in artist liaison such as the below:

  • Fault finding when planning logistics, and being able to come up with contingencies.
  • People management and interpersonal skills, especially the ability to react to varied working environments.
  • Computer literacy including the use of spreadsheets, shared drives, password protected documents, and task management systems.
  • Logistics – with specific reference to the delivery of event equipment and venue/site liaison.
  • Customer service – dealing politely & respectfully with customers, ranging from account managers to production managers to the end client when on site.

Tools of the trade:

  • Understand planning processes required to deliver a live event and the importance of eliminating errors that can prove costly on site.
  • Familiarity with task management systems.
  • Health and safety knowledge, knowing how to fill in risk assessments.
  • Understand management structures within event environment, site etiquette and culture, including on site communication and interdependencies between departments.
  • Working knowledge of event logistics, admin, and booking systems.
  • Knowledge of the environmental impact of live events and how it is managed.
  • A clear understanding of the sectors within the live events industry.

How do I work in Artist Liaison?

At School or College: Maths, English, an interest in music/performing arts/gaming (depending on what type of festival you want to manage). Good social skills.

Gain work experience / Build a portfolio: Volunteering for school productions, working at local theatres or venues, gain admin experience and skills in Microsoft Office and Google Suite. Apply for volunteering opportunities with festivals during the summer, especially those that have artist liaison opportunities. A part-time job in customer service while you study.

Get a degree: Music and Management degrees, Events Management degrees, and Live Music degrees.

Further resources

 

For more inspiring ideas on careers in the Creative Industries check out: https://discovercreative.careers/#/