Status of the artist in Finland

"An essential feature distinguishing the artists from other employees is double or multiple job-holding. Consequently, in the eyes of the authorities, artists are often only 'potential' artists, and in official employment statistics or census data they are often registered according to their second job, i. e. as secretaries, taxi drivers etc. Also according to the register of the National Board of Taxation, a considerable number of artists receive most of their income from a profession other than their artistic profession. Some of the most common secondary occupations are teacher, journalist and critic. There are also many, especially young, artists in an occupation having nothing to do with artistic work. These persons can be defined as artists in terms of training, membership of artist organizations, and/or production."
In 2000, 37% of Finnish artists worked only in their artistic occupation. Same year 10% of artists did not work at all in the arts. (Heikkinen & Karhunen 28/1997)

53 % of artists need to resort to another forms of gainful employment, mostly in the fields criticism, teaching, journalism etc.

Source: Ministry of Education of Finland, 2008.


Read the document on the social status of the artist in Finland (PDF)

See also:

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

Useful links:

• Ministry of Culture and Sport