Guest host Ben Eltham is joined by Grace McQuilten, Associate Dean, Research & Innovation in the School of Art at RMIT University to discuss her recent research.

Grace is an expert in the visual art sector and has recently conducted an academic study about the working conditions of visual artists. Building on research she began collecting in 2022, 900 artists across Australia responded to her survey and the results are alarming.

Her study highlights the financial precarity faced by the vast majority of visual artists and the knock on effect this has in terms of their mental health and wellbeing. Ben and Grace have a candid conversation about how artists are always at the bottom of the food chain, which is in stark contrast to how important their work is and how valuable culture and creativity are in society.

For more information about Grace’s study, please visit the Visual Arts Work website.