poor living conditions for artists.

Arts Council Study reveals poor living and working conditions of artists

03/08/2010



The average professional artist living in Northern Ireland earns just £7,500 a year from their work as an artist, despite having a higher level of formal education than the wider labour force.

New research published today by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon, reveals how many artists are now working on the island, the level of state support provided to artists in other countries, and the challenges they face as they pursue their chosen professions.

In the most comprehensive study for a generation, the two arts councils have shed critical new light on what it means to be an artist, writer, painter, musician or performer in modern day Ireland, north and south.

‘The Living and Working Conditions of Artists in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland’ shows that artists are a highly educated group, with over two-thirds having attained a university degree. They are also hard working, putting in more than 55 hours per week on average and frequently holding down extra jobs to support their creative endeavours.

In stark contrast to their academic achievements and evident commitment, however, the overwhelming majority of artists still earn two-thirds of the average income for all Northern Ireland Workers*. Lack of provision for pensions also spells financial hardship ahead for the current generation of artists.

Commenting on the report into the conditions in which artists live and work, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Roisin McDonough, said: “I think it’s important for people to begin to appreciate the extraordinary value for money that we get from our artists. Artists touch just about every facet of our lives, entertaining and informing us, as well as contributing to our nation’s education, health and social and economic regeneration.

“This new study highlights the remarkable dedication shown by the arts community. Financial reward is clearly not what motivates artists. Although most artists say they would, given the chance, do it all over again, theirs is a particularly committed career choice and mustn’t be devalued as a ‘labour of love’. Surely it’s not reasonable for people to continue to expect to receive so much from artists in return for so little?”

The findings of the report will influence how the arts councils continue to provide support and how they can improve conditions for artists on the island.

Nick Livingston, Director of Strategic Development at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, explained: “The report offers a valuable insight into the current conditions our artists face in their daily lives and unfortunately the overall picture is much bleaker and more alarming than we had feared.

“With fewer resources available, there can be no overnight solution, however we are committed to addressing the issues raised by local artists. These include, the need for more training and development opportunities, more useful information on how artists can make provision for a pension, and dealing with difficulties in achieving a good work/life balance.

“We have already taken first steps this week in translating the research findings into a direct policy response with the introduction of a new professional development programme. Over the course of the coming months will continue to look at how we can refocus and improve our programmes to meet the needs of Northern Ireland artists.”

The full report, as well as a summary of findings relating specifically to artists in Northern Ireland, are available to view by clicking on the links below.