Thinking about getting into the creative arts? We don’t blame you! The creative industry covers so many different careers and pathways that there is something for everyone, but the decision to take the leap isn’t always easy.
Many people wonder what the labour market is like for the creative arts and how it is predicted to grow. Job security is also a common concern among people looking to break into the arts.
When it comes to the labour market, there are so many factors to consider at the moment – automation, emerging technology, Brexit, the pandemic, record low unemployment, and the whisper of a recession…it’s all very unsettling.
But the forecast is bright so let us give you some reassurance on how the creative arts are expected to fair in the next 15 years.
Post-Pandemic Labour Market Growth
The creative industry is going strong and is predicted to grow. Pre-pandemic, one in five jobs were in the creative arts, and one in every eight businesses. These statistics remain true even now, post-pandemic.
If you think about it, every company needs a graphic designer. Most companies have a website or a social media platform. Even though the arts are often associated with the traditional idea of an “artist”, there are creative jobs in all fields.
Creative UK, a national membership organisation for the creative arts, tells us projections for growth in the creative arts surpass those forecast before the pandemic. The sector is recovering faster than the UK economy as a whole, expected to grow 26% by 2025 and contributing £132.1 billion in GVA – £28 billion more than in 2020.
Additionally, The National Foundation for Educational Research published a literature review of over 30 reports on labour market growth in forecasts to 2035, and the digital and creative arts industries are widely cited as the top growth employment sectors. Other sectors expected to grow that link to the creative arts are education, the green economy, plus information and communication.
Job Automation and AI
It is estimated that 22% of current jobs will be automated by 2030. There are self-checkouts in every supermarket now, and those types of jobs are anticipated to be automated even further. Automation will first hit the lower-paid jobs, such as administrative and secretarial, manufacturing and production. Roles involving social abilities, like social interaction and communication, are at lower risk of automation. It is the creative arts which thrive on human capabilities – interpreting a brief, communicating concepts and generating ideas. An algorithm does not equal intelligence. Imagination will always be required.
Emerging Technology
The emergence of new technologies is creating new jobs and enhancing existing jobs. The government is prioritising digital innovation in the creative arts. During the pandemic, we witnessed rapid growth in this area to meet audience needs and improve business models. Social media allows creatives to interact with customers directly.
Enhanced content is anticipated in immersive technologies, like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). They’re already pretty common in exhibitions and the arts, as well as home entertainment. Another big topic at the moment is the Metaverse, a digital sandbox where anything can happen. In the metaverse, artists can reach a global audience, participate in performance events and communicate through their creativity on a global stage.
AI has been used to generate music and artwork but it needs a person with an understanding of the arts to link the experience to the user. From streaming and subscription services to non-fungible tokens (NFTs), digital engagement in the creative arts is expected to substantially increase.
Brexit
The loss of freedom of movement within the EU has affected the creative arts. Last year, Elton John said it “screwed up” the music industry and the sector is still finding its feet in the post-Brexit world. A 2017 Arts Council England study reported that 60% of arts organisations needed EU workers, comprising 7% of the creative arts workforce. These jobs are available and we now have record levels of low unemployment. Anecdotally, we have heard of staff shortages in lots of sectors. Together with the increased demand for creative content, now is a good time to get into the creative arts.
What if there is a recession?
It’s true that we are in uncertain times. There is a whisper of recession in the air. How will the creative arts fair? It’s important to take a step back and look at the facts.
The creative arts sector is growing and will continue to grow. After the 2008 recession, employment in the creative arts was three times higher than across the UK as a whole. It could even be said that the creative arts are recession-proof and pandemic-proof.
If recent times have shown us anything, it is how much we value the creative arts in times of hardship. This is now playing out in sector growth and jobs in all areas. If you’re considering a career in the creative arts, dive straight in!
