Liz Hobart

Australia’s arts workers are struggling, with new research revealing annual wages from creative work are only $23,200 on average. And even if those in the sector — including writers, actors, visual artists, musicians and dancers — add income from teaching or other work, their average gross income is only $54,500, which is 26% below the national average. The data is from the Artists as Workers report, funded by Creative Australia. Writing in The Conversation Australia + NZ, report authors David Throsby and Katya Petetskaya from Macquarie University say it is rare for artists to afford to work full time in their chosen field, with only 9% able to do so. They also reveal artists often spend their own savings to fund their projects and pledge a significant amount of unpaid work, worth $5,600 annually. “In addition to these financial investments, professional artists are also often asked to donate their time and expertise to public or corporate events and to community activities," they write. Arts executive Sarah Runcie posted on LinkedIn that artists earn less than a “poverty line income” but also bankroll the industry in unpaid labour. “This should be widely understood and appreciated by every funder, sponsor, investor and philanthropist,” she writes. Opera singer Dr. Tarita Botsman said the research revealed an “ugly and uncomfortable topic”. “Even our finest artists with decades of training and experience behind them, who choose to stay in Australia (and don't enter academia in a full time position), in a VERY good year might earn $40,000 to $60,000 a year, still below the average income in Australia. How can we change this?” she writes. How do you think the arts sector can offer more stable employment to creatives? How can workers be better supported? Share your insights below. By Cathy Anderson Sources: The Conversation Australia + NZ: https://lnkd.in/gTpChuGC Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC): https://lnkd.in/gVWGJ24T Sarah Runcie: https://lnkd.in/gEeQwXFC Dr. Tarita Botsman: https://lnkd.in/gewNb9Kw

27

42 Comments

In 2023 the Heritage Council commissioned a report to synthesis the existing research on the value of heritage to the community. The Heritage Council is now pleased to share the resource publicly. The report contains a synthesise of current research on: 1️⃣ the social, economic, and environmental value of heritage to Australian communities 2️⃣ a summary of some of the gaps in the available research. Its primary focus is on research from Australia, but it also includes relevant data from overseas. The Heritage Council thanks Public Value Consulting and Extent Heritage for their extensive investigation, and thorough reporting and documentation of publicly available research. Publication of the report by the Heritage Council is intended to encourage industry discussion and further research in emerging areas of interest. The report and other resources on the value of heritage are available on the Heritage Council’s website: https://lnkd.in/gS7i2ium Part 1 – Why Heritage, published on 8 April 2024, has since been corrected with changes to: ⏺ Figure 3, Headline Findings, on page 17 ⏺ Number 10, Heritage Myths, on page 22 Please be advised that any versions of the document downloaded or circulated between 8 April and 24 April 2024 should be disregarded. The updated version of the publication is now available for download on our website. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.

29

2 Comments

The Community Affairs Legislation Committee has just published the joint submission I have co-authored with my friend and NDIA co-design colleague, Uli Cartwright, on the NDIS Bill. Our submission addresses: - The lack of co-design for major changes to the primary legislation according to Article 4(3) of the UNCRPD - Destruction of the golden thread between funding, goals and aspirations for a life worth living on an equal basis with others - Parallels with Robodebt culture in the participant experience and the further risks this Bill imposes - Legislating NDIA accountability to participants - Legislating NDIA, DSS and Government accountability in co-design - Our vision for the co-design commitment we need This submission was made independently of our roles as NDIA Participant Reference Group members. However, in light of the following statement published on the DSS website last night regarding NDIA co-design, we wish to set the record straight: “Since the Government introduced proposed changes to the NDIS Act, the NDIA has been working closely with Disability Representative and Carer Organisations (DRCOs), our Independent Advisory Council (IAC) and Participant Reference Group (PRG) to improve their approach and confirm the next set of priority topics for co-design.” We do not know who drafted this FAQ, but we do not believe “working closely” with the PRG is a fair or accurate representation of a one hour briefing the day after the Bill was tabled, a two hour Q&A for us to give our feedback on the proposed legislative changes, and a two hour meeting on the NDIA’s already-formed, already-drafted co-design approach and proposed topics. At this meeting, we asked the NDIA to ask us what we can contribute and how much work we can take on, not to assume we are not up to the task. We go much further in our submission: We ask the Government, DSS and the NDIA to “assume that we can” contribute much more, and to invite people with disability to lead these reforms, including drafting of amendments (or indeed, re-drafting) of this Bill.

24

9 Comments

📣 Join us on June 18, 2024, for "Balancing the Scales: Addressing Gendered Financial Inequity in the Arts." 📣 Gendered financial inequality remains a significant issue in Australia, impacting the economic independence, career progression, and lifetime financial security of women and gender-diverse individuals. As of November 2023, Australia’s national gender pay gap is 12%. In the arts sector, the gender pay gap is even more pronounced, with women earning 19% less than their male counterparts. The wage gap is part of a broader spectrum of financial disparities, including a notable superannuation gap, structural barriers that limit access to financial resources, and undervaluation of work. Such disparities affect immediate earnings and have long-term impacts on financial security and retirement prospects. Join us for this multi-session symposium addressing gendered financial inequality in the arts. Co-presented by the Chamber and our #BetterBusiness Partner Media Super https://lnkd.in/gvhSBEzg

12

Can an Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) director whose conduct "would not have met the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)'s editorial standards" remain a director of the company? The standards that apply to directors are not those that apply to employees given that directors are ultimately responsible for governance and direction, amongst other things. While the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)'s managers might determine that Laura Tingle retains their confidence, different standards apply at board level and it is for chairman Kim Campbell and his other directors to determine if Tingle should remain a director. Meanwhile the issue of the non-disclosure of Tingle's remuneration, now that she is a director, remains unaddressed. https://lnkd.in/gBhnMfac https://lnkd.in/gCDNWGGJ

5

1 Comment

Professional advisors can better connect with clients and their aspirations through conversations about philanthropy. Having these conversations creates an avenue for collaboration that goes beyond the numbers. Head to our new Professional Advisor hub to download your free guide: https://lnkd.in/gT8gWMKR #ProfessionalAdvisors #Philanthropy

4

Looking for feedback and input from the sector for this vital mahi.

2

Last night the Australian Government handed down the Federal Budget for 2024-25. In the days prior there had already been some announcements of additional investment for the arts and culture sector, including $117.2 million over four years for the national performing arts training organisations (Arts8) and Australian Film, Television and Radio School, as well as $5.2 million over four years for the Canberra and Darwin symphony orchestras. Last night's announcement included new investments for First Nations language centres, the Australian Children's Television Foundation, the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, and Revive Live (to support Australian live music venues and festivals). The Government also announced $2.9m over four years for initiatives to support people with disability to access and participate in the creative arts, on top of the $5m already committed for this in 2023-24 as a part of Revive. Total government spending on arts and cultural heritage peaks in 2024-25 at $2.14b, and then declines steadily to $1.85b by 2027-28. This is primarily due to increased investment in Australian Screen Production Incentives and Digital Game Production Offset programs in 2023–24 and 2024–25 and a reduction in funding for the Location Incentive Program over the five years from 2023–24 to 2027–28. TNA welcomes the new investment in our national training institutions and the additional commitment to support disabled peoples' access and participation, both of which will contribute to a healthier arts ecology. As the Albanese Government continues to address the parts of the sector that remain at risk through considered and strategic investment, TNA urges it to prioritise performing arts organisations and independents. Our sector persists in contributing to Australia's cultural capital, economy, liveability, and wellbeing, while struggling with rising costs, poor working conditions, workforce shortages, and burnout. More details here: https://lnkd.in/ddJZQCNX

4

Exciting news! 🎵🎉 The Department is pleased to announce that the 2024-25 NSW Budget will build on the NSW Government’s commitment to building better, more vibrant communities, with more than $45.4 million in funding for strategic support for artists and live venues through funding to Sound NSW and the Office of the 24-Hour Commissioner. The full Sound NSW 'State of the Scene 2024 Report' has just been released, with its findings confirming the critical role that live music industry plays in the state’s economic and social wellbeing. Key findings highlight that the NSW live music industry: • employs 14,180 direct workers • has an economic output of $5.5 billion • has a value-add of $2.7 billion • has 795 venues that offer live music across the state The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner will receive $26.9 million to empower the night-time economy industry and local councils, while Sound NSW will receive $18.5 million to deliver programs that help build and support the role that the contemporary music industry plays in the night-time economy. Access the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gmyQX3_A #DEITNSW #24HourEconomy #NighttimeEconomy #LiveMusic | Michael Rodrigues -- Image credit: Annie Hamilton. Photo by Ruby Boland.

92

4 Comments

The Census sheds light on Australian society. Religion is a vital part of Australian society. Therefore, it is important that the Census accurately depicts the state of religion in Australia. We have some concerns about the development of the religion question ahead of the 2026 Census, which it is hoped the government will address. https://lnkd.in/g8ak7kAR

12

A useful new report from A New Approach (ANA) looking at arts and culture funding in Australia. With inquiries at federal and state level at the moment looking at local government sustainability/funding there are some really interesting figures looking at the breakdown between levels of government, subsectors and capital/ongoing expenditure. There's some positive news there as well, with funding, still down over the long term, starting to grow again - which in a time where communities are looking for joy and social cohesion and creativity and all the things that make life worth living, is good to see:) #LibrariesTransform #Libraries #Research

16

3 Comments

All around Australia, artists are sparking social change, working with communities to tell their stories, tackle big issues and create common ground. You may be familiar with Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD), a specialist art form where professional artist facilitators work with communities to co-create projects with purpose. However, many Australians are not. Research shows that of all the artforms, our population has a particularly limited understanding of the benefits of CACD. This new resource launching today collates a selection of local case studies to showcase the inspiring work led by CACD artists. As Australia grapples with a civic crisis, their work has never been more needed. Head to the resource to see why we think CACD projects deserve a bigger profile, and dive into: - How Milk Crate Theatre used devised theatre to facilitate social inclusion for people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness - How All The Queens Men curated a lavish party to facilitate pride, celebration and visibility for LGBTIQ+ elders - How Carclew addressed isolation amongst youth in regional South Australia through facilitating the opportunity for emerging young writers to develop their own monologues - How Jiva Parthipan and the NSW SERVICE FOR THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF TORTURE AND TRAUMA SURVIVORS (STARTTS) engaged with place-making and cross-cultural understanding through a creative experience along the Georges River in Casula NSW Spoiler: the impacts are profound. Click the link below and scroll through the digital resource: 'When Art Sparks Change'. Resource: https://lnkd.in/gsyRb-Cq Thank you to Creative Australia for their assistance, the practitioners who participated in the creation of this resource and to the many partners involved in each of the projects profiled.

14

2 Comments

Andy, Joanna and Pree - part of our Dialogue team in Sydney ready to facilitate a Dialogue in the Dark #AdaptiveLeadership workshop. IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Andy, Joanna and Pree are standing side by side in front of a banner with the text: To be a Leader. All are wearing black. Andy is holding a cane in his left hand. #dialogueinthedark #immersiveexperience #livedexperience #teamworkshop #leadershipdevelopment #peopleandculture

5

💪 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗢𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 💪 "STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where IMPACT Community Services Managing Director, Tanya O'Shea, explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the significance of National Reconciliation Week in Australia, highlighting historical milestones and advocating for active participation in reconciliation efforts, especially through meaningful workplace engagement and education on Indigenous cultures and histories. "In the workplace, we must create safe spaces to have conversations about our history, the diversity within our teams, and opportunities to celebrate individuality. In my workplace, we recognised that acknowledging country is not something that you recite, using generic language that can be found in a Google search. At IMPACT, we recognised the need to listen to the collective wisdom of our people, especially First Nations staff, who were willing to support our broader team to engage, learn and listen." Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/WRgx50RZnS1 [Image Description: Image features two individuals engaged in a traditional crafting activity, possibly weaving, with materials in shades of natural, yellow, and burgundy.] #IMPACTCommunityServices #ImprovingLives #StrongerTogether #TanyaOShea #WeeklyColumn #NRW2024 #NationalReconciliationWeek #ReconciliationWeek #NowMoreThanEver #AcknowledgementOfCountry

4

Failure is the status quo at the moment when it comes to Australian arts, cultural and non-profit organisation’s response (or lack of response) to Palestine as a governance, risk and crisis management, duty of care and financial issue. My conversation with Helga Svendsen for the Take on Board podcast is online today with more. #Governance #ArtsGovernance #Boards #ArtsBoards #RethinkingArtsGovernance #KateLarsen #TakeOnBoard #TakeOnBoardPodcast #Palestine

9

🚨 🚨 FINAL REMINDER 🚨 🚨 💧 Ka Mua, Ka Muri 💧 It’s never too late to learn more our about New Zealand history and think about how it shapes our future with water and communities. See below for #6 in our series of New Zealand historical events. Learn about these and more by enrolling in our Cultural Significance and Importance of Wai interactive module starting on the 9th May. The enrolment deadline is looming so email us direct to register: training@waternz.org.nz. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On this day in [1864] the British attacked the Ngāi Te Rangi stronghold of Pukehinahina (Gate Pā). It’s never too late to learn more our about New Zealand history and think about how it shapes our future with water and communities. 

5