The purpose of the study is to present an objective picture of the quality of higher education in educational programs for the training of cultural managers. Suggest a roadmap that describes the vectors of change and steps to upgrade.

The affirmative answer to the question of whether managers are needed in culture is obvious today. The functioning and development of organizations, institutions, and enterprises of the cultural ecosystem require skilled management at the strategic and operational levels, understanding the specifics of the development of an institution depending on its legal form, range, specific sector, or region.

The questions of what managers are needed in the field of culture, whether the system of higher education in our country provides training of such personnel, which managers are expected by employers - have not been studied at the national level, so they need analysis and answers.

This study is inspired by the awareness that in the field of education for cultural managers there is a lack of quantitative and qualitative indicators for the provision of educational services, there are no indicators of the effectiveness of existing educational programs and statistics on the demand for professionals. Labor market demand does not correlate with the planning of educational processes. After all, both educators and employers/donors/investors do not receive services and offers that meet today's requirements. If we take into account that some students study at the expense of the budget, the state as a customer also does not receive a relevant service.

Practical value. The results of the study can be the basis for the development of relevant educational programs for the training of cultural managers, which will meet the demands of the labor market and have the potential for future development, promoting the competitiveness of freelance graduates in the national and international labor market.

Education for cultural managers. Current situation and development prospects