The true picture of visual arts sector incomes

What is current data on visual arts workers’ incomes telling us? And are there better ways to track what’s really going on?

4 Jul 2022

Jo Pickup

a birds-eye view of a desk with tax papers and a calculator.

Visual Arts

A new draft discussion paper suggests we need better mechanisms to show the true nature of visual arts workers’ incomes. Image: Kelly Sikkema via unsplash.

The job of presenting an accurate account of arts workers’ incomes is one that’s long puzzled the sector.

One of the foremost researchers in this field, the Distinguished Professor of Economics at Macquarie University, David Throsby, has published numerous papers on the subject, documenting how complex it can be to chart the career paths and economic contributions of arts sector professionals.

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ArtsHub's Arts Feature Writer Jo Pickup is based in Perth. An arts writer and manager, she has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for media such as the ABC, RTRFM and The West Australian newspaper, contributing media content and commentary on art, culture and design. She has also worked for arts organisations such as Fremantle Arts Centre, STRUT dance, and the Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of WA, as well as being a sessional arts lecturer at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).