Artists
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Employment in a cultural occupation or industry
According to the 2006 Census, a total of 473,550 people were employed in a cultural occupation or cultural industry as their main job in 2006.
Paid and unpaid work in culture activities
About 3.5 million Australians aged 15 years and over have worked in culture and leisure activities.
Practising professional artists
According to the 2002 Artists Survey, there are 40,000–50,000 practising professional artists in Australia.
The 2002 Australia Council Artists Survey collected information relating to practising professional artists in Australia.
The 2002 Australia Council Artists Survey collected information relating to practising professional artists in Australia.
According to the 2002 Artists Survey, in 2000–01, artists earned an average of just over $24,000 from creative and other arts-related work. The average total income, including non-arts related work was about $37,000.
Artists' education and training
In 2006, 63,600 students in Australia were studying creative arts at higher education institutions (excluding TAFE courses).
Artists' education and training - Australia Council data
According to the 2002 Artists Survey, about three-quarters of all practising professional artists have some formal training.
According to the 2002 Artists Survey, over 40 per cent of artists from a non-English speaking background, born outside of Australia, are from Europe and the former Soviet Union.
Cultural occupations - country of birth
Close to 75,000 Australians employed in cultural occupations for their main job were born outside of Australia, according to the 2006 Census. This accounts for about 26 per cent of the total number of people employed in cultural occupations.
According to the 2006 Census, 240 people were employed in the music publishing industry as their main job.
Employment in book publishing and retailing
In June 2004, 5,300 people were employed by 244 businesses involved in book publishing. This figure was virtually the same as the previous year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The five-yearly Census of Population and Housing collects information relating to the occupation and industry of each person’s main job, meaning the job in which a person usually works the most hours.
According to a survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 726 performing arts operation organisations employing 6,569 people at the end of June 2007.
Getting connected: making your mentorship work
This is the handbook for you if you are seeking or planning a mentorship in the arts industry - either as a mentoree or mentor.
Similarity and difference: craftspeople and visual artists in Australia
Explores and describes the similarities and differences between craftspeople and visual artists in Australia.
A practical tax workbook that is designed to assist artists and arts organisations with the tax system.
Artswork 2: a report on Australians working in the arts
Provides a statistical overview of the millions of Australians who are involved in amateur and professional work in the arts and culture. It summarises data on the numbers, demographics, income and education of artsworkers.
Artswork: a report on Australians working in the arts
An overview of arts employment in Australia undertaken by the National Centre for Culture and Recreation Statistics Unit at the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
But what do you do for a living?: a new economic study of Australian artists
Presents the major findings from the 1993 survey of Australian artists' work practices and lifestyles.
Don't give up your day job: an economic study of professional artists in Australia
A survey of the economic circumstances of 1063 practising professional Australian artists.
The artist at work: some further results from the 1988 survey of individual artists
Further results from the 1988 Survey of individual artists providing details on the working lives and conditions of artists.
Working paper 1: changing income and employment circumstances of individual artists
Reports on key issues and trends for professional artists.
Guidelines for music composition rates
Rates payable to composers as suggested by the music board of the Australia Council.
Professional development for multicultural arts workers: critical issues for action
Reports on professional development experiences and needs of multicultural arts workers in Australia.
