Last year members of the Visual Arts Alliance commissioned Earthen Lamp to undertake a UK wide study into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sector. In addition to shedding light on the impact of the pandemic on arts workers, this study also interrogates the response of the sector to emergency sector support measures announced by Arts Council England (ACE) and HM Treasury.
Key Findings
- The average loss of earnings by visual arts workers due to the pandemic was £7,000
- Some art workers found themselves ineligible for support
- 66% felt that other support measures were needed
- Freelancers need direct funding
- Many artists have developed new skills during the pandemic
This study was conducted through an online survey available in English and Welsh. The survey, hosted by Earthen Lamp, was circulated nationally to visual arts workers through established networks of the partner organisations.
The online survey was live in August 2021 and 674 completed surveys were received.
You can read the full report here.