Since 1983, Creative Australia has commissioned six-yearly studies of Australian artists at work. This research has been a hugely important source of data for the arts sector, and is one of the only sources of targeted information tracking the livelihoods of artists in Australia over time.
The 2003 report led with the catchphrase, “Don’t give up your day job”, while the 2010 report was named, “Do You Really Expect to Get Paid?” – perhaps in a deliberate attempt to draw attention to the woeful state of artists’ earnings and opportunities at the time. But the headline leading this year’s report reveals a marked shift in tone.
