Understanding the work of people in the creative industries

What is it about?

In this study we examined the precarious nature of creative industries (CIs) work in Australia, Canada and the Netherlands. We focussed on job security, initial and on-going training and education, and access to benefits and protection. The study employed in-depth survey answered by 752 creative workers in the three locations. Common themes included non-standard forms of employment (for example, casual and short-term contracts) and the persistence of precarious (not secure) work across the career lifespan. CI workers criticised their initial education and training for not including sufficient information about running a business. They also told us that they struggle to access professional learning. Many people were not aware of ways to access to benefits and protection. Respondents held multiple roles across and beyond the CIs.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

While precarious labour is common across the CIs and has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide, a lack of comparative studies has made it difficult to identify themes or issues that are common across multiple locations. In this study, the presence of common themes suggests avenues for future, targeted creative workforce research and signals the need for change and action by CIs educators, policy makers and representative organisations such as trade unions.

Perspectives