A survey commissioned by ArtWorks has revealed that more than two thirds of artists are willing to pay for training and development opportunities that help prepare them for work in participatory settings – but that employers and commissioners should also contribute by investing more in practitioner development.
Almost 1,000 UK-based artists completed the survey as part of the ArtWorks: Developing Practice in Participatory Settings research programme, a Paul Hamlyn Foundation initiative aimed at strengthening support for those working the sector.
The findings also show there are gaps in the demand and supply of training and development opportunities to support those working in portfolio careers.
Survey findings in brief
• 31% of artists say there are not many courses or development opportunities relevant to their needs.
• The majority of artists say financial cost is a barrier to accessing training and development opportunities.
• 77% of artists are prepared to invest in training and development for themselves. 71% say they believe employers and commissioners should invest more in developing practitioners.
• Artists believe participatory practice is undervalued in the arts sector, with 68% saying too many people do not value it as artistic practice. A further 60% say it was not presented as a career option when they were training.
• Work in community, participatory and socially engaged settings and performing/undertaking commissions/exhibiting work are considered the two most important activities to both the artistic practice of respondents, and to their income from their practice.
Best possible experience
Speaking about the findings, ArtWorks’ chair Claire Whitaker said: “Arts in participatory settings ultimately has to be about creating the best possible experience for the participant.
“This survey starts to show just how we can do that by working together as stakeholders to improve support for the artists involved. Whether it’s as employers, HEIs or funders, we need to collaborate and this survey provides a really useful focus for doing this.”
The ArtWorks programme is led by five ‘pathfinder’ partnerships operating across England, Scotland and Wales, focused on building on the wealth of existing good practice and exploring potential solutions to support artists working in participatory settings.
As part of the research, a-n is partnering with four other national strategic organisations across music, dance, writing and the visual arts within the ArtWorks’ Navigator pathfinder, with the aim of supporting a collective voice for participatory artists across art forms.
The survey is the first of a series of major reports to be published by ArtWorks as it approaches the final months of its five-year investigation into supporting artists.
Read the full survey evaluation at www.artworksphf.org.uk
