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BH Fitness, part of the long-standing and iconic bike manufacturer BH Group, is a global leader in fitness equipment for both Commercial and Home markets. The company, with the headquarters based in…
read moreCommissioned by Creative Australia, an extensive economic study released today - ‘Artists as Workers: An Economic Study of Professional Artists in Australia’ - reveals that it is now harder than ever for professional artists to make a living. This is despite the fact they are highly educated, highly skilled, and that Australians deeply value their contribution.
The report ‘Artists as Workers: An Economic Study of Professional Artists in Australia’ by David Throsby and Katya Petetskaya is the latest in a landmark study carried out over the past four decades by Professor Throsby and colleagues from Macquarie University.
The report presents new insights and longer-term trends on the lives and working conditions for artists. Creative Australia has also released a summary and response to the findings.
Artists as Workers underscores the resilience of artists in the face of challenges, from rising costs to increasingly precarious employment along with complex challenges for copyright holders in an increasingly digitised environment.
Creative Australia Chief Executive, Adrian Collette notes "Despite the fact Australians value the contributions of artists, the challenges they face in earning a living have never been greater.
“This extensive economic study provides valuable insights into the current and future challenges for artists, while reinforcing the principles underlying the development of the National Cultural Policy Revive - that arts work is indeed real work. The report Artists as Workers reminds us what is at stake, underscoring the urgent need for support systems and fair remuneration that truly reflects the substantial value artists contribute to our society and economy."
Professor David Throsby added "I'm pleased to present the latest in a comprehensive series of surveys spanning four decades. Over the years, we have studied the nature of artists' work - and have seen already precarious employment conditions further impacted by significant disruption and change, from COVID-19 to more recent advances in digital and AI technology. My hope is this report will serve as a clarion call for informed discussion to promote measures that support the sustainability of artists' careers into the future."
Key insights:
The face of arts in Australia is changing:
However, barriers and disparities remain. For example, on average, women artists continue to earn 19% less than their male counterparts, a gap greater than the general workforce's pay gap of 12% in 2023.
Artists are resilient, adaptable, and highly skilled professionals:
It is now harder than ever for artists to make a living:
Technological change and innovation pose both opportunities and challenges:
Read the full report or explore the findings on the Creative Australia website.
25th April 2024 - OzAsia Festival secures Creative Australia inaugural Asia Pacific Arts Award
24th April 2024 - Creative Australia announces recipients of its inaugural 2024 Asia Pacific Arts Awards
10th April 2024 - Creative Australia report outlines role of music festival sector and the challenges it faces
6th February 2024 - Creative Australia shares outcomes of its $17 million boost for Contemporary Music and First Nations
29th January 2024 - Creative Australia announces reappointment of Chief Executive Adrian Collette
15th December 2023 - Creative Australia to invest $170 million in 159 organisations
15th November 2023 - Creative Australia survey reveals wellbeing benefits of arts and culture
24th August 2023 - Creative Australia launches with expectations to rebuild and expand Australia’s live arts and entertainment industry
17th June 2023 - Live Performance Australia welcomes passage of Creative Australia legislation
11th May 2019 - LPA welcomes Labor vision for creative Australia
29th August 2011 - New funding for artists to build a creative Australia
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