NAVA in 2024: Sector wins and challenges

NAVA actively participated in the Fair Work Commission's (FWC) Modern Awards Review. By facilitating input from nearly 20 visual artists and arts workers, NAVA highlighted critical gaps in award coverage, unpaid work, and the need for fairer terms and conditions.

This advocacy led to a historic commitment to vary the Amusement, Events, and Recreation Award, laying the groundwork for clearer and stronger protections for visual arts workers. The FWC has since invited proposals for a revised classification structure and changes to the award’s title and terminology, with submissions due by 7 March 2025. Following this, responses to these proposals will remain open until 28 March 2025, with a case management hearing scheduled for 3 April 2025 and a Full Bench hearing set for 29-30 April 2025. NAVA will consult with the sector over the summer to inform these changes.

In parallel, NAVA has been in liaison with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) to address systemic barriers in the income support system for artists and arts workers. This Thursday 5 December, NAVA and DEWR will co-host a free online information session to help artists navigate mutual obligation requirements under Workforce Australia’s Points Based Activation System (PBAS). The Department of Social Services will also attend to discuss income testing rules. This builds on NAVA’s 20 years of advocacy for Centrelink to recognise art as work.

NAVA’s advocacy has significantly shaped SaSCA's Workforce Planning Report for the Arts and the Arts Workforce Scoping Study interim findings, both of which address critical workforce challenges within the visual arts sector.

As a member of the Arts Strategic Workforce Advisory Group (SWAG), NAVA highlighted systemic issues faced by artists and arts workers, including income disparity, precarious employment, unpaid labour and severe skills shortages in roles like gallery technicians, arts educators, and support staff.

The findings emphasise the need for better pay, career pathways, and cultural safety, particularly for First Nations workers. NAVA continues to advocate for investment in education, training, and inclusive practices to build a sustainable and resilient arts workforce.

In a landmark achievement, all 57 finalists in the Archibald Prize were paid a $1,000 artist loan fee this year, marking the first time in the prize’s 103-year history that finalists received payment. This achievement aligns with the standards set out in NAVA’s Code and follows the federal government’s endorsement of the Code through the Revive policy.

In April, NAVA introduced its online interactive Code of Practice Training Courses to provide artists, arts workers and organisations with the necessary knowledge to uphold ethical standards and good practices. These courses aim to clarify the Code's application in real-world situations, helping participants understand its relevance and how to apply it effectively to everyday tasks and bigger challenges. 

NAVA strongly encourages arts organisations to enrol staff as part of induction packs and other staff development programs. Enrol today and learn how to apply the Code’s recommendations to your work and practice.

NAVA made 18 submissions to government inquiries and consultations on critical issues impacting the visual arts. These included responses on:

• Copyright and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• The FWC’s Modern Awards Review
• Services and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA) Arts Workforce Plan
• Creative Australia’s Arts Workforce Scoping Study
• The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) consultation

These submissions reflect NAVA’s work to address systemic challenges, improve conditions for visual artists, and shape a more equitable arts sector.

NAVA is deeply concerned about the increasing cuts to arts education, which threaten skills development and perpetuate the misconception that art is not a viable career. This year, NAVA contributed to the inquiry into Arts and Music Education and Training in New South Wales and voiced strong opposition to the discontinuation of key arts education programs, including the University of Queensland’s Museum Studies program, Southern Cross University’s creative arts degrees, and Queensland University of Technology’s 2025 programming at its Art Museum (QUTAM). NAVA continues to call for reduced tuition fees and expanded education pathways to build a more robust creative workforce.

NAVA launched its new First Nations Policy, designed to empower First Nations arts workers and embed cultural competence across the organisation. This was complemented by the launch of NAVA’s second Reconciliation Action Plan. In the new year, NAVA will launch its first-ever Disability Action Plan, affirming our commitment to good practice.

With funding from Create NSW, Arts Queensland and the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) Program, NAVA introduced new initiatives to expand access, awareness and application of the Code, including 30 workshops, webinars, and talks throughout the year.

The NSW Professional Development program expanded the Code's outreach across Western Sydney and Regional NSW, fostering  engagement with good practice guidelines and promoting their use as a self-advocacy tool for underrepresented art communities.

The NAVA Talks AI series explored the opportunities and challenges AI presents for the visual arts, focussing on critical issues such as copyright, consent, and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP). These discussions informed NAVA’s advocacy and facilitated collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the sector.

NAVA also engaged with artists, educators, and arts workers to promote the Code and support ethical industry standards at key events, including the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF), Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF).

NAVA is grateful to have been invited to present at BL:AK Camp on Kabi Kabi Country. At the Camp, NAVA’s First Nations Outreach Coordinator, Georgia Mokak introduced the Code of Practice and held one-on-one conversations with Elders and artists. These discussions highlighted NAVA’s broader work and encouraged confidence in self-advocacy among First Nations artists from the Sunshine Coast and North Queensland region attending the camp.

In Queensland, NAVA connected with nearly 250 artists and arts workers across 77 local government areas (51.9% of Queensland) through partnerships with 40 arts organisations. Workshops in Bundaberg, Pomona and Gympie offered valuable opportunities for artists to engage with the Code and deepen their understanding of good industry practices.

NAVA backed the release of the Countess Report, which highlighted persistent stagnation in gender equity across the visual arts. Additionally, NAVA supported the launch of Precarious Movements, a new online resource to support choreographic work in galleries and inform good workplace practices. NAVA continues to partner with Visual Arts Work: sustainable strategies for the Australian visual arts and craft sector, led by researchers from RMIT University and The University of Melbourne, as well as Empowering Australia’s Visual Arts via Creative Blockchain Opportunities led by researchers from the University of Wollongong (UoW), University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) and The University of Queensland (UQ).

NAVA’s 2024 Membership Survey affirmed key challenges for visual artists, including financial instability, limited access to affordable workspaces, and a lack of professional development opportunities. This feedback plays a key role in shaping NAVA’s future advocacy priorities, ensuring our work aligns with Members’ most pressing issues.

NAVA welcomed new Directors to its Board, including Sophia Cai, Kate Just, Janice Falsone, Jamie Lewis, and Liz Nowell, with Brian Tucker stepping into the Treasurer role. Their collective expertise and vision strengthens NAVA’s leadership and strategic direction for the organisation’s future. 

NAVA extends its thanks to previous Directors Abdul Abdullah, Lisa Radford, Imogen Beynon, and Patrice Sharkey who was the Deputy Chair; Kate Joannou who served as Company Secretary; and Anjli Punia who served as Treasurer.

NAVA experienced significant staff changes this year, welcoming Janel Yau as General Manager and Georgia Mokak (Djugun) as First Nations Outreach Coordinator. The organisation bid farewell to Deputy Director Georgie Cyrillo after nearly five years, as she stepped into a new role at the intersection of copyright and AI. Additionally, NAVA said goodbye to Queensland Professional Development Coordinator Robyn Fernandez, following the conclusion of project funding through Arts Queensland.

NAVA secured a multi-year investment of $225,000 annually for 2025-2028 through Creative Australia’s Delivery Partners funding stream. 

None of this progress would be possible without the critical and ongoing support of NAVA Members. Your contributions drive our work and amplify our advocacy. While 2024 has seen meaningful advancements, the path to a truly equitable and sustainable arts sector is far from over.

Throughout the summer, NAVA will be working on its Pre-Budget submission to Treasury, proposal for the Fair Work Commission’s review of the Amusement Award and preparing a federal election campaign with focus on artists’ incomes amidst increasingly precarious working conditions, as well as systemic barriers in education and funding.

Join us in shaping a thriving, equitable, and vibrant arts sector. Become a NAVA Member or donate today.

Recognise Artists as Workers sticker featuring artwork by Nadia Hernández at NAVA's information stall at Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) 9-11 August 2024, courtesy of NAVA.

ID: Two hands hold a sticker with white capitalised text on green, orange, blue and pink shapes on a black background. The text reads, 'Recognise Artists as Workers'.