Artists' incomes are increasing – but they are still lower than those of other professionals

Konstnärsnämnden - The Swedish Arts Grants Committee, 30 October 2025 , Sweden

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, artists' incomes have increased between 2019 and 2022, according to a new report from the Swedish Arts Grants Committee and the Swedish Agency for Cultural Policy Analysis. But the artist group still earns significantly less than other professionals – and the differences between the sexes have become larger.

Summary

  • +19 per cent increase in median income from business activities for artists (2019–2022).
  • 64 percent of female artists are entrepreneurs or combiners.
  • 69 percent of male artists are entrepreneurs or combiners.
  • Only 8 per cent of women and 16 per cent of men in other occupational groups are entrepreneurs/combiners.
  • Artists' incomes are lower than both artistic professionals in general and other gainfully employed people.
  • Women earn less than men in the artist group – and the difference has increased.
  • Small income differences between artists with Swedish and foreign backgrounds.

https://www.konstnarsnamnden.se/nyheter/konstnarers-inkomster-okar-men-de-ligger-fortfarande-lagre-an-for-andra-yrkesverksamma/

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