Working and Living Conditions of Artists in Northern Ireland
July, 2024
This research, undertaken by Perspective Economics and commissioned by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, is the first study of its kind in over a decade.
The study, which examined 481 responses from a diverse range of artists across various demographics, career stages, and artistic disciplines, found loss of public investment for the arts, the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis to be among the challenges which have shaped the acts sector over the last 10 years.
Despite there being an estimated 14,500 artists in Northern Ireland, just 29% of those surveyed said they worked full time in the arts and derived 100% of their income from their artistic practice.
Over half (53%) surveyed indicated they have considered or would consider permanently relocating outside of Northern Ireland for better career prospects. This figure rose to 65.2% for those aged between 18 and 34, suggesting potential issues with retaining young artists due to a lack of career opportunities within Northern Ireland.
The report's findings show that, although our arts community is highly trained and educated, few work full-time and earning potential is severely limited. The report also noted high levels of anxiety among artists, when compared to the general population.
Key findings from the report:
- Using the Annual Population Survey and the Arts Council’s own data, there are approximately 14,500 artists in Northern Ireland.
- The mean total income reported by those that made some of their income from arts activities was £19,200 in 2023. The mean income directly related to their arts activities is £11,200 (or 54% of their total income).
- 29% of those surveyed earned 100% of their income from their arts activities. 26% of respondents said between 1% and 19% of their income came from their arts practice.
- Comparing total income to the 2010 research survey baseline suggests that artists have faced a real-term reduction in overall income by 11% between 2010 and 2023. For the wider economy, mean wages increased by 1% in that same period.
- 27% of artists with arts-related income have received at least one public grant in the past, and these artists earn approximately £2,600 more per annum from the arts compared to those who have not received a grant
- Artists who spend more than 40 hours per week on arts-related work have the highest average income from their arts activities (£16,600 or 84% of their total income). This represents around £8 per hour, approximately 30% lower than the National Living Wage (from April 2024).
- On average, artists in Northern Ireland possess three additional qualifications, certifications, or professional training beyond their primary education. This illustrates the depth of expertise and commitment to continuous learning within the artist community.
- Artists in Northern Ireland derive a significant portion (around 40%) of their arts-related income from sources outside of Northern Ireland.
- Most strikingly, the survey suggests that anxiety is more prevalent amongst artists than for the general population. On average, artists reported anxiety levels of 5.1, but for the whole of Northern Ireland this average was only 2.9.