Ten years ago, local musician Deidrey Francois left the comfort of her realtor job behind to pursue a career in the arts, despite her fear of becoming a ‘starving artist.’
The stigma around having a career in this field typically stems from the belief that there’s no money in it. Because if there’s no money to be made, how can it qualify as a real job?
As a result, many people discourage aspiring artists from committing to their dreams because the area seems too unreliable. According to Jeff Goins, author of ‘Real Artists Don’t Starve,’ most aspiring artists are told they can’t make a living off their creativity. Instead, they’re encouraged to obtain a regular day job and treat their passions as a hobby because if they go all-in, they’ll end up poor.
Yet, even with all of the negative assumptions about the industry and what it involves, pursuing a career in the arts is still worth it.
The misconception regarding both stability and success within the industry is just that – a misconception.
The truth is, most artists don’t starve.
In Ontario alone, the arts and culture sector represents $27.5 billion (3.7 per cent) of the province’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to the Ontario Arts Council (OAC). This area consists of almost 287,000 jobs.
Last year, OAC’s findings concluded the arts and culture GDP was far greater than the
utilities industry ($15.6 billion), accommodation and food services ($15.5 billion), mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction ($7.2 billion), and the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industries combined ($6.4 billion).
The industry isn’t just thriving in Ontario – it’s doing well throughout all of North America, according to the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP).
Over the past decade, SNAAP has surveyed post-secondary graduates from arts programs across Canada and the U.S. to see how successful they are in the real world.
A recent study conducted by the program revealed a large number of these graduates are doing really well. According to SNAAP, 70 per cent of graduates have found jobs within the arts, and 80 per cent have been or currently are self-employed. They also reported income levels that support families and sustain careers.
In other words, they are not starving.
But, these artists aren’t just doing well within their careers. They’re thriving outside of them, too.
According to a study by the University of Montreal, musicians have sharp minds and are more mentally alert than non-musicians. The results show that playing an instrument could sharpen the brain as it ages while preventing cognitive decline in older adults.
A separate study conducted by the Arts Health Network showcases the benefits of being an artist.
The findings suggest participation in the arts lengthens the artist’s lifespan and increases the longevity of their health. It also allows them to live alone longer in their older years, reduces their dependence on medical facilities, and enhances the quality of their life.
As artists are bettering their own lives, their creations are simultaneously improving the lives of their supporters.
Both art and music are known for having therapeutic effects. For example, a research review completed by Daniel Levitin and Mona Lisa Chanda at McGill University explored the benefits of listening to music. These include better mood management, stress reduction, boosted immunity, and improved social bonding.
Another study from Nature Neuroscience out of McGill University found music releases a chemical in the brain called dopamine which plays a key role in setting good moods. With the release of this chemical, music sends signals to the brain that aid in the expression of emotions, enhancing memory and increasing sleep quality.
Music doesn’t just improve health. It forms a bond between the creator and their supporters.
Francois said the peak of her musical career had nothing to do with fame or money. Instead, the most impactful experience was realizing the healing and comfort her voice brings to listeners. “That’s really more important to me than the glory of it – of music,” she said. “Just that connection. That soul-to-soul connection.”
Careers in the arts are clearly sustainable and important.
Arts careers benefit the economy and provide creative individuals with jobs that inspire them every day. In doing so, artists are able to live life to the fullest while concurrently enhancing the lives of others.
It’s time people start encouraging artists to pursue what they love and understand it’s very possible to turn creativity into a viable living.
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