“How much do you make?”
It’s still a bit of a taboo question these days. And yet, it’s exactly what we asked local artists in The Seattle Times 2024 Affordability for Artists Survey — among many other questions.
The goal was to get a better understanding of the challenges artists are facing as the region’s affordability crisis shows no sign of letting up.
And while the results — indicating that our soaring cost of living may be cramping our cultural innovation — are quite sobering, we didn’t just want to leave readers with the feeling that this is just the way things are — or have to be.
In a series of accompanying stories, we explain it wasn’t always like this, and what it means for our region that things are so difficult now. Eight local artists also talk about their experiences living and working in this increasingly expensive region, in their own words. We also outline promising programs from here and around the country, plus some ways that you, as an individual, can help.
↓ Explore the package↓
Over 600 Seattle artists told us how much they make. Here’s what we learned
A Seattle Times survey sheds light on just how precarious life as an artist has become in recent years — and how that could endanger the region’s vitality.
By Margo Vansynghel | Read story >>
Seattle’s cost of living crisis hits the arts hard. Why that matters
Seattle’s rapidly increasing cost of living affects everyone. Here’s why we focused on artists.
By Margo Vansynghel | Read story >>
8 Seattle artists share how they survive in the expensive city
In their own words, local artists tell us how much they make and how they make it work.
By Margo Vansynghel | Read story >>
An illustrated guide to supporting Seattle arts
You don’t need to have a ton of money to support local arts and artists. Here are 15 ways to do so, ranging from no-cost options to big-step ideas.
By Margo Vansynghel | Read story >>
How Seattle can keep its artists despite affordability crisis
Organizations in Seattle and elsewhere are trying to address the affordability crisis for artists with programs tackling basic income, affordable housing and more.
By Margo Vansynghel, Gemma Wilson, Moira Macdonald and Michael Rietmulder | Read story >>
