Artist Pay Project

About the Artist Pay Project

In these challenging economic times, how do artists across the U.S. make a living and new work while also struggling with low and inconsistent pay, and a lack of arts funding and opportunities?

This is the central question driving the Artist Pay Project, a series examining how artists survive and thrive. Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries, the Artist Pay Project will publish anonymous journals from artists detailing how they bring in money and juggle their expenses.

It is our hope that these money snapshots become a springboard for further conversations around pay transparency and equity for artists. We also believe this project will help artists understand how to price their work and services, and generate new ideas for ways to support their practice.

Phase 1 of the Artist Pay Project is supported by the  Center for Racial Justice at the University of Michigan and will run from February through April 2023.

Read more about this initiative in the art rebellion’s January newsletter.

Call for artists

the art rebellion is looking for artists of all types to share their money stories.  Emerging and established, choreographers, graphic designers, sculptors, poets, filmmakers, musicians, in cities big and small — if you consider yourself an artist, we’d like to hear from you.

These money snapshots, which include a breakdown of your income and expenses, will be published anonymously on our website and social media, meaning your name will not be shared.

Those selected for publication will receive a $100 honorarium.

Please reach out to makeda@theartrebellion.net if interested in submitting an artist pay snapshot.