Team
Powered by Purpose
Despite low pay and stretched capacity, most arts and events workers are committed to staying in the sector.
Learn what motivates the people in audience facing roles to stay, what could drive them away, and how to reward and retain your greatest asset.
We surveyed 268 people working in ticketing, marketing, fundraising, and leadership roles worldwide.
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65%
plan to continue working in the sector in 5 years’ time, with 22% undecided
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91%
believe their work has a positive influence on audiences and communities
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46%
feel their pay and benefits are fair and proportionate to their role
I often hear from colleagues… They’re deeply passionate about the work, but the obstacles make it feel impossible to do it in a way that really matters to them. Sometimes that pushes people out of the sector altogether, into roles that might feel easier – not because the work is better, but because they care less about the outcomes, and so the obstacles don’t hurt in the same way.Ticketing manager
25-34, US independent arts centre
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75%
have opportunities to develop new skills
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32%
have opportunities for promotion or career progression
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64%
feel their work lives up to the promise it held when they entered the sector
Music Theatre Wichita
From Burnout to Breakthrough
Building a thriving organisation
New insights on the state of the arts workforce.
Cate Foltin, Business Manager at Macomb Center for the Performing Arts and Cheyenne Queen, Patron Services Manager at Music Theatre Wichita speak alongside Mike Geller, President, and Erin Caldwell, VP of Marketing at Spektrix. They discuss the solutions that can advance careers, increase satisfaction, and help the sector to thrive long term.
Workforce development inspiration
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Employee Retention for Arts & Events
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Inclusive Culture: Hiring and Retaining Great Teams
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How to Prioritise Your Work in the Arts and Events
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Building High Performance Teams in Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
Most workers want to stay in the arts and events sector
There’s been a big discussion in recent years about turnover across the sector. But 65% of workers intend to stay, driven by a deep sense of social purpose.
Learn how your organisational culture supports employee retention – even when budgets are tight.
“I freaking love my job, love the organisation I work for, and believe in its mission. While I’d love to earn more, I wouldn’t sell my soul again for any amount of money.”
Data analytics manager, 55-64, Canadian independent festival
One quarter of sector workers don't know where they'll be in five years' time
Workers’ deep commitment to the sector, combined with years of experience, brings immeasurable value.
There’s a huge opportunity to retain undecided employees, who are walking a tightrope between idealism and reality.
“We cannot afford to lose committed people at such a critical moment. Every cohort tells us they’re feeling the strain, and they’re equally clear about what will help: better work-life balance, fair pay, and the clarity, tools, and skills needed to succeed. Supporting them is essential to the sector’s recovery.”
Liv Nilssen, Director of Sector Strategy, Spektrix
Workers are ready to face the challenge together
Workforce development isn’t just the job of the leaders. Workers need and deserve greater rewards – but they recognise that can’t happen overnight.
They’re asking for trust and empowerment from leaders, to grow revenue and resilience – together.
“If people working on the ground had more opportunity to come together – to share ideas and talk through challenges – we’d find solutions much more quickly. A lot of people dealing with problems day to day don’t get the chance to step back and think big-picture about how those problems could be solved.”
Ticketing specialist, 25-34, Canadian independent venue
