VASW Artist and Art Worker Survey Report 2026
The second of our survey reports, including key data that highlights the needs and experiences of artists and art workers in the South West
In 2025, VASW launched the second Artist and Art Worker Survey. 917 responses were received from across the region, almost three times the number of our previous survey.
We’re pleased to share the Survey Report with you which highlights the needs and experiences of artists and art workers in the South West, including key data around pay, employment and funding; and the sector's diversity and barriers to inclusion.
Data Overview
- 917 participants completed the survey: offering insights into the visual arts sector of the South West.
- Independent Majority: 82% identify as independent artist/makers, with 49% having over a decade of experience.
- Income Overview: 7% reported earning no income from visual arts, with 61% earning below 10k and 4% earning over 40k.
- Funding: of those that applied for funding, 52% had at least one successful application
- Educational Background and Relocation: 92.5% attended art college, 55% studied in the South and West, and 12% are self taught.
- Barriers: Barriers include financial barriers, lack of opportunities, time and capacity, access and studio space.
- Priorities: respondents want VASW to prioritise artist development, training, support and advice; support for freelance art workers; supporting and creating networks; advocacy for the region and artists; access and inclusion for artists experiencing barriers; and profiling and sharing visual arts in the South West
We hope this report will help individuals and organisations. Our Strengthening Your Funding Applications resource shows how data in the report can be used to create cases for investment.
We would like to sincerely thank everyone who completed the survey. We know that completing surveys takes time and energy and for this we are very grateful. It is really vital that we gather this information so that we can help to advocate for better conditions and investment in the visual arts and work in response to your needs; your voice and experiences help us to do just that.
The survey was supported by John Hansard gallery, part of the University of Southampton. Thanks also to Wallis Agency, who produced this report with the support of b-side.
