The uncertainty of continuing to work is weighing on the arts, culture and events professionals

The greatest current work-related stressor for highly educated professionals in the arts, culture, and events sectors is uncertainty about continued employment. In contrast, the experience of meaningful work remains their most important source of strength.

In a recent survey (TAKU 2024/25, n=644), the most frequently mentioned stress factor in the current working life of professionals in the arts, culture and events sectors was job insecurity, cited by 41 percent of respondents. Additionally, 33 percent reported difficulties in finding work, and 26 percent cited general uncertainty about the future and declining mood. As recently as 2021, the primary stressor was job fragmentation.

The greatest concern about job continuity is found among those in fixed-term employment relationships—73 percent of whom identified it as their most burdensome issue. Overall, 17 percent of respondents reported being at least partially unemployed during the past year. Among freelancers, as many as one in four had experienced unemployment.

For professionals working full-time in permanent salaried positions within the arts, culture, and events sectors, the most significant stressor is the imbalance between resources and demands, reported by 29 percent. Excessive workload was cited by 27 percent.

Students and Young People Face a Weak Position in Working Life

Among respondents under the age of 30, the biggest concern is the difficulty of finding work, cited by 62 percent of them. In this age group, a slightly above-average share—21 percent—reported being at least partially unemployed during the past year. Additionally, 45 percent of respondents under 30 are employed in fixed-term contracts, compared to 33 percent in other age groups. Overall, the survey results reinforce the perspective that recently graduated young professionals face significant challenges when transitioning into working life (Akava, April 3, 2025).

The Experience of Meaningful Work Is the Most Important Source of Strength

Among professionals in the arts, culture, and events sectors, the greatest source of strength in their work was the experience of meaningful work, reported by 79 percent of respondents. Interesting work tasks were cited as the main source of strength by 39 percent, and financial security by 36 percent.