Creative Workforce
Reliable Insights Into Employment and Workplace Trends
A diverse and inclusive workforce is the foundation of a thriving arts and culture sector, ensuring that creativity is fueled by a broad range of voices and perspectives.
At SMU DataArts, we conduct in-depth analyses of the creative workforce, exploring demographic trends, inclusion, wages, and employment levels through national datasets and our Workforce Demographics Survey. Our research helps organizations, policymakers, and advocates understand challenges, identify opportunities, and advance equity in the arts sector.
The Workforce Demographics Survey is a secure, 7-minute survey that collects anonymous data on race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, and workplace perceptions. By providing organizations with valuable workforce insights, we empower decision-makers to build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable creative economy. Learn More
Notable Publications
Survey Research Demonstrates Crucial Role of Inclusion in Arts Workplaces
APR 09, 2025
Evidence shows that simply hiring a diverse workforce is inadequate; organizations must integrate inclusive practices and equitable leadership, according to a direct survey of arts workers across Los Angeles.
L.A. Arts and Culture Sees Significant Shift Toward Racial and Ethnic Diversity
APR 03, 2024
Nearly half of the arts and culture workforce is composed of individuals identifying as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, signaling a significant shift toward racial and ethnic diversity since 2019.
Surprising Feedback from the Spring 2023 Workforce Demographics Open Study
AUG 10, 2023
With 79 enthusiastic participants, we surveyed a total of 3,358 individuals from organizations that ranged from $30,000 budgets to $3 million, represented a variety of disciplines, and multiple locations across North America.
Calgary Arts Development Releases 2022 Demographic Profile of Arts Sector
JUN 07, 2023
While women make up the majority of Calgary's arts sector according to gender (59%), those who identify as male are still more likely to hold leadership positions either as board members or senior management as of 2021.
Measuring Workforce Demographics and Well-Being at SMU DataArts
AUG 01, 2023
SMU DataArts periodically surveys staff, board, volunteers, and independent contractors to help drive strategic discussion and decision-making toward advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.
CHANGE Philanthropy Releases it's Third Edition of the DAPP Report
DEC 30, 2022
Findings from the latest Diversity Among Philanthropic Professionals Survey shows that participants of color were ten times more likely to feel exploited in the workplace than white participants.
Alice Y Hom
Executive Director, CHANGE Philanthropy
“SMU DataArts’ Workforce Demographics Survey has been instrumental in advancing our mission to promote equity in the philanthropic sector. The data collected has allowed us to produce three editions of the Diversity Among Philanthropic Professionals Report, providing a vital benchmark of diversity and inclusion within the field.”