The report Creative Pulse: A survey on the status and working conditions of artists and cultural and creative sector professionals in Europe responds to a recent proposal by the European Parliament for an EU framework to improve living and working conditions for
Conducted from 20 December 2023 to 9 February 2024, the survey gathered responses from 1204 artists and cultural professionals, as well as 293 cultural organisations, institutions, and policymakers across Europe. Respondents shared their experiences regarding working conditions, highlighting the urgent need for improvement. Key findings include:
- Nearly half of all respondents, especially freelancers and self-employed artists, reported poor working conditions.
- Over two-thirds lacked sufficient social protection.
- A majority needed to work multiple jobs, impacting their performance.
- Most artists felt they were not fairly compensated for their work.
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly worsened income and working conditions, especially for freelancers and the self-employed.
- Women were disproportionately affected by poor working conditions.
- A third reported feeling affected by restrictions on artistic expression, with almost half reporting increased limitations in the past five years.
- Almost 90% of cultural organisations, institutions, and policymakers surveyed believed the EU should adopt legislation to improve working conditions, with 96% supporting this as a solution.
Learn more about Culture Action Europe’s continue work to represent cultural workers’ interests.
