LPA welcomes the release of the interim findings of the Arts Workforce Scoping Study.
We have consistently advocated for action on the skills shortages affecting our industry, and this report is a useful step towards putting in place meaningful policy responses and programs.
Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA) engaged Creative Australia to the deliver the project, which was an initiative of the National Cultural Policy, Revive.
It is designed to understand workforce challenges and skills needs across the creative sector, and to inform industry-driven solutions.
LPA is represented on SaCSA’s Strategic Workforce Advisory Group and provided input into the study to ensure our Member’s workforce challenges were recognised. LPA Members have helped to inform the report’s findings through responses to our regular skills shortage surveys.
Some key take-outs from the report (available at https://lnkd.in/gp2SKuet)
⚠ Skills shortages are prevalent across the creative industries. In the performing arts, shortages are reported across a range of roles, and are most acute in production and technical roles, off-stage creative roles, and marketing and communications.
⚠ The most common difficulties recruiting across role categories are applicants lacking experience and a lack of applicants, as well as being able to offer competitive salaries. Performing arts organisations reported the most common factor impacting retention is perceived poor working conditions (eg low pay or long hours), followed by limited career development and advancement opportunities.
⚠ Training options most sought are short-term training (eg skillsets and micro-credentials); a combination of on-the-job training, short-term and long-term training, and more on-the-job training delivered externally.
⚠ 62% of performing arts organisations reported needing new skills relating to digitalisation and/or AI. The most common skills are being sought in social media and digital marketing, while some organisations are exploring AI for administration tasks but cost and lack of training are barriers.
A final report will be presented in early 2025. Findings and recommendations from this study will inform SACSA’s Workforce Plan, along with reviews of vocational education and training (VET) packages and other potential workforce development initiatives.
LPA will also draw upon these findings in our ongoing advocacy to the Commonwealth, state and territory governments for practical action to address our industry’s skills and training needs.
