SNAAP Study Shows the Majority of Arts Graduates Find Satisfying Work
Findings from a national survey released this week show that, contrary to widespread belief, most arts graduates are employed and holding jobs consistent with their educational goals. For example, 92% of those who wish to work currently are, with most finding employment soon after graduating. Two-thirds said their first job was a close match for the kind of work they wanted. And almost three-quarters (74%) of those who intended to work as a professional artist had done so at some point since graduating.
The findings of the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP) are based on information from 13,581 alumni of 154 arts high schools, arts colleges and conservatories, and arts schools and departments within universities. Those responding to the fall 2010 survey graduated from fine arts, theater, dance, music, creative writing, media arts, film, design and architecture programs. The results provide insights into the lives and careers of arts graduates including: (1) what they studied in school; (2) satisfaction with their educational training and experiences; (3) the various jobs they have held, (4) their involvement in the arts outside of work, and (5) personal information such as where they live, family and individual income, and educational debt.