Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) is an element of the wellbeing of artists and arts workers. To find out more about the current state of the sector, the Arts Industry Council of South Australia (AICSA) surveyed people working in the sector with the aim to support a better understanding about financial wellbeing and WHS issues facing artists, arts workers and arts organisations. This knowledge will help identify gaps in the current level of support for the sector, which will assist advocacy work and the development of better resources, materials and services for arts and cultural workers.
The survey results show that artists and arts workers are overworked and underpaid, with a high proportion of poverty wages, precarity and lack of basic entitlements/protections such as superannuation. This is impacting on their life pathways and financial stability. Combined with a high frequency of exposure to bullying and culturally unsafe practices, the respondents of the survey reported poor mental health, with high indications of anxiety and depression.
Summary of findings
- 137 respondents:
- Average respondent is a 35–44-year-old female, not of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
- 57% indicated that they worked within more than one art form, however visual arts was most commonly represented (45%)
- Of the primary occupations listed, arts administration roles represented 42% of respondents, and artists 31%.
- Only 27% are full time permanent workers
- 64% have worked in the sector for over a decade
- Lower than average wages:
- 81% earn less than $80k per annum
- 39% earn less than $40k per annum
- 13% of artists don’t earn any money or lose money from their arts practice
- The length of time respondents have worked in the sector did not necessarily impact their income
- 41% work in a role outside the sector to supplement their income
- 62% believe that their income is not commensurate with hours worked
- Low rates of entitlements:
- Only 78% of respondents reported that they received superannuation
- Support systems:
- 67% are un-unionised, with 66% reporting they negotiated their own salary
- 43% reported that a spouse/family member/partner has a salaried role which provides financial support
- Wellbeing:
- 40% rated their financial wellbeing as precarious or very precarious
- Commonly reported unrealistic time pressures and long work hours
- Bullying and culturally unsafe practices are commonly experienced
- Musicians were the most common profession to report witnessing or experiencing alcohol abuse
- Respondents expressed a high frequency of anxiety and depression indicators:
- 46% described their mental health as ‘Poor’ or ‘Fair’
- 46% said they felt tired, sluggish or depressed ‘Always’ or ‘Often’
- 49% said they feel anxious or overwhelmed ‘Always’ or ‘Often’
- Qualitative responses linked poor mental health to work precarity and pay.
Full report is available below: