The pandemic was a hard blow for artists, who are still struggling to get back on their feet and find their audiences. Galloping inflation and the gradual end of government pandemic aid are not helping their situation. To better demonstrate the extent of current challenges, the Cultural Sector Human Resources Council (CRHSC) has just published an analysis of the working conditions and morale of Canadian artists. Here’s what you need to remember.
Multiplication of jobs
Nearly three-quarters (71%) of the artists surveyed worked several jobs in 2023 to make ends meet and counter the increasing cost of living. In the majority of cases, their second job was also in the cultural sector. For example, among those surveyed, 65% indicated that they teach in the arts in addition to practicing their artistic discipline.
Half of the respondents (52%) also indicated that this second job brought them “much more money” than the main one.
Less than $40,000 per year
Despite holding multiple roles, half of artists (51%) said their total 2023 income was less than $40,000.
When we ask them to only consider income from artistic and cultural sources, two out of three (67%) have received less than $40,000. And even that 21% earned less than $10,000. On the opposite end of the spectrum, only 7% of respondents earned $80,000 or more.
Generally speaking, three quarters (77%) of the artists surveyed believe that their remuneration rate is too low.
This precarious situation generates a lot of financial stress for 7 out of 10 artists, who have had to reduce their expenses, withdraw money from their personal savings or even ask a loved one for financial help to get by.
Systemic barriers
More than three-quarters of the artists surveyed (78%) reported having encountered systemic obstacles during their artistic journey. In the majority of cases, it is sexism or ageism. But many others have faced difficulties because of their social class, their race, their language, their sexual orientation, their gender identity, their religion or their physical or mental disability.
When it comes to challenges related to commercial networks or support for their work, about two-thirds of the artists surveyed indicated that grants and sales gave them the most difficulty. Then come in their responses the reserved areas and the lack of understanding of their work.
Weakened mental health
Between financial stress and the multiple difficulties of the profession, the mental health of artists is more fragile than ever. Among those surveyed, 39% said they were “dissatisfied” with their mental health and 44% were “satisfied” with it. For comparison, the latest survey from Statistics Canada shows that in 2023, people who considered their mental health (47%) “very good or excellent” were twice as numerous as those describing it as “fair or poor” (only 20%).
No regrets or almost
Despite the bleak situation, almost half of the artists surveyed would make the same career choice if given the opportunity to start from scratch. A third of respondents answered “not sure.” Maybe,” while the others indicated they would change course.
Sample
The survey conducted by Hill Stratégies — at the request of the CRHSC — was held at the beginning of 2024 and obtained 1,170 responses, including 688 from artists (nearly 60% of respondents). The figures presented in the CRHSC study are based only on the responses of the latter since they “constitute the heart of the cultural environment”. The artists surveyed come from across Canada, but mainly from Quebec (23.7%), British Columbia (22.2%) and Ontario (20.2%).