The status and working conditions of artists and cultural and creative professionals : report of the OMC (Open Method of Coordination) group of EU Member States' experts : executive summary

Art and culture are an integral part of our societies and enrich the quality of our lives in many ways. The ability of art to inspire, to connect, to innovate and to bring people from different backgrounds and cultures together is becoming increasingly recognised at EU and Member State levels - not only because of the intrinsic value of culture, but also because of its proven social and economic impacts. But does this recognition also extend to the artists and cultural and creative professionals who make this happen? Many of them are faced with precarious working conditions, low, irregular and unpredictable incomes, high levels of self-employment, project-based careers and a lack of legal structures that provide social protection and sustainable frameworks for their career development. Artistic freedom is closely linked to social and economic conditions. All of these challenges have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis, which became a catalyst for a growing awareness and political momentum to tackle artists' working conditions. The improvement and strengthening of a fair and decent working environment has already been demanded for a long time by representative organisations and networks of the cultural and creative sectors (CCS) EU-wide and beyond.