The Status and Working Conditions of Artists and Cultural and Creative Professionals

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The European Commission and stakeholders published a new study that sheds light on the status and working conditions of artists, cultural and creative professionals.

The study looks at characteristics of employment of artists and cultural and creative professionals in EU Member States with regard to:

  • artist status and entitlements
  • social security
  • self-employment
  • support ecosystems and alternative financing
  • artistic freedom
  • career development
  • measures countering the Covid crisis

The European Commission conducted this study in close collaboration with several sectoral stakeholder organisations:

  • Culture Action Europe (CAE)
  • The International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts (IETM)
  • On The Move
  • PEARLE - Live Performance Europe
  • Freemuse

Main findings of the report

The study makes it clear that it is mainly up to Member States to improve working conditions for artists. The study recommends that the European Commission should collect and disseminate good practice and inform Member States of policies and measures that are available to those working in the Culture and Creative Sectors.