Chicago Arts Census
Using data as an advocacy tool within the arts
The Chicago Arts Census is the first comprehensive, cross-discipline data collection effort in the city created by and with the art workers of Chicago. Similar to the national census, the Chicago Arts Census aims to serve art workers by providing quality data about their labor, economics, and livelihoods. The Census serves as an advocacy tool to fight for better working, living, and making conditions, and create opportunities for coalition-building across the arts sector.
“As arts workers, we know intimately that the constellation of our labor and the often unrecognized support systems that we develop and nurture are integral to the infrastructure of the arts and creative sectors,” said Kate Bowen, executive director of ACRE, one of the organizations developing the Census. “At present, a complex and intersectional account of our labor does not exist, which means many of us feel the strain and scarcity of resources in our everyday lives as what we need and how we're supported is continually unreconciled.”
The Census invites all art workers. This includes artists but also recognizes the artistic labor that goes into making an artwork public, such as the art writers, art handlers, educators, fabricators, custodians, preparators, interns, docents, administrators, security guards, designers, and curators.
The data collected through the census will be translated into a series of maps, a website, a publication, and public programs that demonstrate the interconnected and dependent relationships that comprise Chicago’s art ecosystem. The aim is to encourage a more equitable distribution of funding and other resources, creating more opportunities for all who define themselves as art workers.
The Chicago Census is developed by ACRE (Artists’ Cooperative Residency & Exhibitions) and Annas, an arts collaborative. Both organizations are committed to developing the census through a collaborative process, remaining open to feedback and acting in the best interest of those in the arts community.
“The census will demonstrate the interwoven and dependent relationships that make up Chicago’s art ecosystem. One thing we know is when arts workers come together around a common purpose, learn from others’ experiences, and formulate new approaches together, we can build resilience and strength together,” said Bowen.
The Chicago Arts Census is open as of November 10, 2021. Art workers are encouraged to complete the online survey before March 2022. The survey is available in English and Spanish.
Learn more by visiting the Chicago Arts Census website.
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