A visual arts programme with a business angle will be offered by Baptist University from September.

The MA of Visual Arts in Art Administration aims to equip future art administrators with business skills and art knowledge, and will be offered by the Academy of Visual Arts, Faculty of Arts and the School of Business to provide business and management skills training on art.

There are three main components to the programme: cultural studies, business theory and knowledge of contemporary visual art.

'But our focus will be on the business side,' said Wan Qingli, director of the academy.

Professor Wan said Hong Kong needed the kind of people who could manage both arts and business, so that they could provide a link between the artists and the market.

Graduates of the programme could provide agency services to help artists promote their artwork and brands to gain more financial support from the market.

Courses will be taught by specialists and scholars from the arts faculty, the business school and the Academy of Visual Arts, while current artists and official guests would be invited to give seminars about the latest trends.

Students can do the 27-credit course in one year full-time, or two years part-time.

They must also complete a project-based internship at the Hong Kong Museum of Art and other art organisations such as the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre.

No prior art knowledge or any arts-related degree is required, but applicants should have a strong interest in the arts, said Heidi Chan, administrative officer of the academy.

The deadline for applications is tomorrow.