Inescapably Les Misérables? Understanding the sensemaking of the artistic precariat

Abstract

Performing artists seem to remain in the culture sector despite the challenges with sustaining an artistic practice. Our research question is why the occupational commitment of the artistic precariat survives an external shock like the Covid-19 shutdown. We combined quantitative and qualitative survey data among performing artists in Norway (N = 607) one year into the pandemic. Innovation and portfolio management took place in tandem with intense identity work. The perception of “otherness” reinforced overall artist identity and thereby sustained occupational commitment. Any excess supply of practitioners in the sector seems to some degree disconnected from the actual economic conditions.