Arts Employment

Arts Jobs in a Down Economy?

The Outlook: Arts occupations will increase on average by 11% through the year 2018. So say the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, as synthesized in a recent National Endowment for the Arts report.

“Companies’ need to reach an increasingly technology-savvy consumer is growing.” Multimedia artists, animators, and illustrators will be in demand due to widespread adoption of digital advertising formats. Skilled writers are required for the online publications, websites, and newsletters businesses will use to attract customers.

Vigorous job growth is also projected for museum technicians and conservators, curators, landscape architects, interior designers, and architects.

Some Facts

Jobs in creative fields cover the full range of performing, literary, and visual arts. These careers include work "behind-the-scenes" such as sound technician, proofreader, gallery assistant, music therapist, dance teacher, or box office manager.

•    60% of artists and related workers are self-employed.
•    Indiana has 11,404 arts-related businesses that employ 47,083 people.*
•    92% of U.S. arts training program alumni who wish to work are currently working. 81% found employment soon after graduating.

Disability and the Creative Professions

People with disabilities contribute their talents to many fields in the arts.  Some choose to have a visible identity as an artist with a disability, others prefer not to. No one says making a living in the arts is easy. The obstacles are doubled for those facing physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. But this hasn't stopped determined individuals with significant and diverse types of impairments. They are pursuing an income from doing what they're passionate about. Read about People with Disabilities in the Arts.

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*A conservative number that doesn't include many employers that are nonprofit.

SOURCES FOR STATISTICS
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook, 2010-11 Edition
Artist Employment Projections through 2018 (NEA Research Note #103)
Dun & Bradstreet Creative Industries Study  2011
Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP) Report