Can art survive the cost of living crisis and uplift communities?
The arts sector is suffering from rising living costs, which impose significant financial pressure on artists and organisations. As materials, production, and daily living expenses increase, many creatives find themselves at a crossroads. However, these challenges also offer a chance to rethink how art can meaningfully connect with and support communities.
In response, artists and arts organisations adapt and innovate, exploring new ways to engage with audiences while prioritising community well-being. This situation underscores the vital role of art in fostering connection, expression, and resilience during tough times, enabling artists to sustain their work while promoting a sense of belonging and support within their communities.
Dr Tully Barnett, Associate Professor of Creative Arts at Flinders University, joined us today to discuss how the cost-of-living crisis is hitting the arts and how we can shift the focus to art’s role in building stronger, more resilient communities.
Article on The Conversation: The arts are being sidelined in the cost of living crisis. It’s time we stopped framing them as a luxury
