This program was established in 1985 to prepare students for assuming administrative positions within performing and visual arts organizations and initiate creative entrepreneurial projects in arts and cultural businesses. The program provides students with experience in the arts with knowledge and understanding of the arts-business, government, management, marketing, and finance. The program includes study in the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business to equip students with administrative and aesthetic skills to assume leadership positions as entrepreneurs, planners, advocates, administrators, and community organizers. Students develop research skills that enable them to gather, organize and analyze information and apply the knowledge to problem-solving in various circumstances. Emphasis is placed on promoting the interrelated nature of the arts in support of interdisciplinary and collaborative programming that recognizes the arts' relationship with other areas of human endeavor. EMU was a founding member of the Association of Arts Administration Educators and continues to be active in this national organization.