The status of performing artists in the USA

In general, some artists need to resort to another form of gainful employment.  Not only is this due to the job market conditions for artists; it is also due to overall unemployment rates in the U.S.  When asked by the Current Population Survey why they moonlight, artists most frequently indicated that they did so to meet regular household expenses.

The vast majority of stage managers and actors, therefore, need to resort to other forms of gainful employment.

Source: Theatre Communications Group. This information reflects the status of the artist in the not-for-profit U.S. theatre industry.

Read the document on the social status of performing artists in the USA (PDF)

See also:

• Employment & Protection
• Social Dialogue
• Tax System
• International Mobility

Useful links:

• Americans for the Arts (National Arts Policy Database)
• Artist help network (Art law resource, Art law regional organizations in the USA, Art legislation and advocacy; database including publications, organizations, professionals, web sites, audio-visual materials and software programs)
• StarvingArtistsLaw.com (the launch pad for artists and writers looking for self help legal information)
• Louisiana Division of the arts (Agency overview and information on artists programs, cultural resources, guidelines and applications)
• Center for Arts and Culture
• Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (provides artists with free and specialized estate planning and related legal services)
• Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts - WALA (legal resource and legal services to artists)

Documents and standard-setting instruments:

• Artists' Centers : Evolution and Impact on Careers, Neighborhoods and Economies (University of Minnesota)
• Preparing to tour : a handbook to help touring performing artists
• Forum on Freedom and Diversity of Expression and the First Amendment, Center for Art and Culture
• North American Free Trade Agreement
• Artists-in-residence program in the USA
• Recommendation about Tax Deduction on Charitable Contributions of Art of Qualified Artistic Property of the Association of Art Museum Directors