TNA’s 2024 Report on the Working Trends of Independent Artists and Creatives in the Performing Arts in Australia analyses results from 273 valid responses from independent artists and creatives.

This fourth survey asked respondents about working conditions, financial arrangements, personal and business management, and individually set working rates. 

Key Findings:

• 79% of indies work in other jobs outside their creative practice. There is a steady increase of indies taking on part-time and full-time work.
• Indies are diversifying their income across non-arts industries.
• Emerging artists are working on fewer projects than before the pandemic.
• Indies earn an average of $21,608 per year from their creative practice.
• 27% of indies are “rarely” or “never” paid superannuation when contracted for creative work.
• Of the respondents who incur access, regional/remote transport and childcare costs, only 5% are reimbursed. 95% pay for these costs out-of-pocket, thereby taking a pay cut.
• The percentage of indie creatives on boards has halved, from 42% in 2022 to 21% in 2024.
• 55% of indies are still impacted by COVID-19, but without the financial safety nets that were in place during the pandemic.
• 56% of respondents accessed mental health services, up from 50% in 2022 and 30% in 2020.
• 59% indies are considering some kind of career change, up from 51% in 2022.

In the final section of our report, TNA shares observations and recommendations addressing issues arising from the data.