Why is there no minimum wage for a visual artist?

Visual artists’ incomes are precarious at the best of times, so why aren’t there laws regulating their pay and conditions?
visual artist

If you are a visual artist in Australia it is becoming harder, not easier, to earn a decent living.

But when it comes to the money artists make from their art – whether that be from being exhibited in a public gallery, commissioned to make new work or being engaged to present talks or workshops – visual artists have never been part of the standard pay and conditions framework that covers the majority of other workers in this country.

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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).