Analysing the creative practice of artists with disability in Australia and their response to financial pressures

Visual art created by people with disabilities is increasingly being recognised and exhibited as art in its own right rather than as an outcome of therapeutic or activity-based programs. However, there is limited research that examines the impact of an art practice on artists with disabilities. This article analyses data from a large survey of visual artists in Australia, focusing on the 21% of respondents who identified as having a disability. We report on their financial situation and recent experience of increases in the cost of living. Regression analyses reveal that disability status was one of only two factors found to be linked to a higher likelihood of being impacted by cost-of-living increases across all four measures of financial hardship studied. A range of policy implications are presented that might address this financial disadvantage experienced by artists with disabilities.