Burnout in Arts Workers: An Investigation

THE RESEARCH

The cost of doing what you love.

Creative work is driven by passion, but that same passion can leave workers particularly vulnerable to exploitation, exhaustion and burnout.

For my Master of Arts and Cultural Management, I undertook an investigation into the causes of burnout among arts workers, examining why it is so prevalent and what meaningful change might look like.

Combining a substantial literature review with mixed-methods research, including 72 survey responses, qualitative interviews and autoethnographic analysis, the study examined the pressures facing creative workers. These included insecure employment, inadequate resourcing, low wages, excessive working hours and an industry culture in which personal commitment is often expected to compensate for structural shortcomings.

The research argued that burnout cannot be addressed through individual resilience alone. Its causes are deeply embedded in how the arts and cultural sector is funded, managed and organised, requiring meaningful systemic reform rather than simply encouraging workers to become better at managing stress.

Addressing these challenges requires changes across government, organisations and industry, including more sustainable funding models, improved employment conditions, stronger organisational leadership and governance, and a fundamental reconsideration of the expectations placed on creative workers.

At its heart, the research asked a fundamental question: how do we create an arts and cultural sector in which passionate people can build sustainable careers without sacrificing their wellbeing?