Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition

Artists leaders and artist-run groups addressing policy issues that affect artists in Massachusetts

Study highlights difficult existence of Austin TX musicians

Austin Music Census cover
Click above to see the report

Please have a read/listen to the following NPR story reporting on a recent census documenting the status of musicians’ lives in Austin, TX.

“The Titan Music Group recently conducted a large survey and several focus groups of musicians in Austin; it produced the Austin Music Census for the city. The census found that 20 percent of Austin musicians live below the federal poverty level. More than 50 percent qualify for federal housing subsidies, and nearly 19 percent lack health insurance.”
~ Musicians Struggle To Buy Insurance In A City That Thrives On Music, Veronica Zaragovia

Here’s how to listen to the full NPR report:
http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/11/11/454197549/musicians-struggle-to-buy-insurance-in-a-city-that-thrives-on-music

Many of the findings highlighted in the story echo those from the 2009 MA study on artists of all disciplines — Stand Up and Be Counted (the 2009 study be found at artistsunderthedome.org).  MALC, along with our coalition partners, continue to push for all artists to be fairly compensated for their work/services.