Herbert Wood is very familiar with the challenges of surviving as an artist in London, and drew on her extensive experience as CEO of SFSA and founder of LAASN, London's Affordable Artists Studio Network, to design the research. SFSA, celebrating its 25th operational year this year (2022), delivers affordable studio space for visual artists, designer makers and the wider creative industry - between 20-40% below market rate depending on location.

The provision of affordable studio space was highlighted as a major intervention in the career trajectory of these artists. SFSA is dedicated to building a body of research to influence policy and financial support for our creative industries of London.

The research conducted in 2021 and published this month, defined nine ’career milestones’ an artist would reasonably hope to attain - from graduation to being able to live solely off the proceeds of their work. A result of the research is that for the first time an artist can see an average trajectory they may experience in their career - based on actual data of lived experience across sixty years; including breaking it down by fine art practice.

“For the first time an artist can see an average trajectory they may experience in their career”

Herbert Wood said: “I want this research to empower the artist community; for them to see themselves in the research and realise that they’re not alone. Art collectives are not new, but it would be incredible if this research could bring together artists to learn from this data and these insights; creating a ‘data-informed collective’ built on shared experience.

“Some of this research makes for painful reading; but I believe something positive can be taken from it. I’m not going to deny the reality of how difficult it can be to progress both as an artist and especially in the context of London.

“But the trajectory drawn from the data can give artists a reflective framework for their possible career progression; as well as offering some comfort that others are going through what they are.”

Second Floor Studios & Arts Ltd will take on the findings of the report to facilitate the growth of a community - a data-driven fine art collective - under the umbrella of LAASN which is responsible for one million square-foot of affordable workspace in London and one in three artists.

She added: “It is also a wake-up call to the public and policy-makers who take for granted the unique identity and cultural context of London. These artists are the bedrock of London’s creative success; so we need to examine what more can be done to support both graduates and mid-career artists in their navigation of London and surviving in such a challenging environment.”

THE REPORT IN MORE DETAIL…

Herbert Wood commented: "At this point let’s reflect on only 8% earning a living from their practice and yet they are dedicating a considerable proportion of their week to the research and development of their craft."

The report also found that 63% of those who took part in the survey have moved studio 1-5 times. A significant proportion of those studio moves are driven by building closure for studio projects that have occupied meanwhile; short lease buildings who are on sites sold for redevelopment.

“All of this uncertainty causes great disruption to their productivity and, in some cases, can cause artists to give up their practice," Herbert Wood added.

A REPORT FOR ARTISTS, NOT COLLECTORS

Unlike other research into this area, the primary focus of this report is the perspective of the artist and how collective data could support and inform them in the future rather than devising a trajectory to inform a potential collector.

It is hoped that the trajectory may assist them in being more structured about their career planning and how they can possibly facilitate the attainments of the milestones; influencing what they think matters and how they spend their time.

WHAT CAN EDUCATORS AND POLICY-MAKERS DO?

For educators preparing artists to enter the world post-graduation, the trajectory can form a guide to not only have realistic conversations with graduating students, but it can also show the points in early career/post-graduation where support from the university or alumni network would have the greatest impact.

For policy-makers wanting to keep artists in London, the trajectory is a tool to factually assess the duration of support artists could benefit from, and how structural interventions such as access to affordable studio space can help keep the city creatively flourishing.

WHAT NEXT?

Herbert Wood, wants to build the ‘data-driven collective’ of artists across London based on this data and these findings. More than 260 fine artists shared their experiences to form this research which spans 60 years and three generations of artist; meaning there will be learnings for all artists out there regardless of their career stage or discipline.

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