Artribune survey reveals mental health crisis among Italian art workers

An Artribune survey of 568 Italian art workers (73.6% female, 25% male, 1.4% unspecified) conducted from August to December 2024 found that 75.5% consider their work mentally exhausting, 63.4% are dissatisfied, and 76.1% have suffered psychological problems due to their job. The majority earn little (41.2%) or too little (35.9%), with only 22.2% earning enough. 95.1% say economic precarity directly affects their mental health. 88.4% believe their employer does not take mental health seriously, and 93.7% have no access to psychological support at work. 79.9% confirm stigma around mental health in the sector. Respondents cited precarious contracts, low pay, excessive bureaucracy, long hours, and lack of recognition as key stressors. Many work multiple jobs (79% per AWI data) or rely on family support. Only 52.3% have sought professional help. The survey echoes earlier findings by Mi Riconosci and AWI (2021), which reported 48.9% earning under €10,000/year and 88% not unionized. Proposed solutions include free psychological counseling, minimum wage, unionization, and state subsidies for artists.