all projects

The economic and
social situation of the
creative professions

Client

Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media

Year

ongoing

Partner

Bundesverband Freie Darstellende Künste e.V.


The covid pandemic has brought the sometimes difficult working conditions of the estimated 376,000 solo self-employed people in the cultural and creative industries, into focus. As a result, the governing coalition is endeavouring to improve the social situation of freelance artists and other creatives. Together with the Federal Association of the Free Performing Arts (Bundesverband Freie Darstellende Künste e. V.), Prognos was commissioned to determine the current situation for this group of people.

Gathering reliable data on the social situation of solo self-employed people

Solo self-employed and hybrid workers in the cultural and creative professions are often subject to large fluctuations in income. Therefore, in times of crisis, they are much less likely to have sufficient social security cover. The aim of the study is to obtain a sound and as detailed as possible overview of the situation of solo and hybrid workers in this sector. The results will facilitate the identification of the measures that could improve the social situation of freelance workers in the cultural and creative industries.

Our approach

Prognos will look to the expertise of industry federations and other stakeholders to create the survey for solo self-employed people and then conduct analysis of the data collected. As a part of this, specialist discussions are held with selected representatives of the industry in advance. As well as these discussions, a kick-off event with industry representatives was held on September 1, 2023. Both of these activities enable us to prepare the survey campaign in a targeted manner. The aim of the study is to obtain the most differentiated picture of the current situation possible. Particular attention is being paid to the effects of the covid pandemic. This enables the identification of potential funding gaps and further action requirements. 

Survey on the economic and social situation in creative professions

The centrepiece of the study is an online survey. Solo self-employed and hybrid workers from the cultural and creative industries were invited to take part in the survey and thus make an active contribution to shaping a more customised social security system. The survey ran until 24 March 2024 and is currently being evaluated.

Links and Downloads

More information (Website BDFK, in german)

Project team: Dr Olaf Arndt, Claudia Lehmann

Latest update: 25.03.2024

Do you have questions?

Your contact at Prognos

Dr Olaf Arndt

Partner, Head of Region & Location

View profile

Klaudia Lehmann

Senior Project Manager

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Prognos is one of the oldest economic research centres in Europe. Founded at the University of Basel, Prognos experts have been conducting research for a wide range of clients from the public and private sectors since 1959 – politically independent, scientifically sound.

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