Fairfax Regional Artist Survey
The Fairfax Regional Artist Survey was created with artists, for artists, to identify the opportunities and resources local artists need to thrive.
Fairfax Regional Artist Survey Final Report
ArtsFairfax is pleased to share the final report of the Fairfax Regional Artist Survey, including details about its methodology, distribution, and outcomes. Scroll down for key takeaways, and view the full report through the button below.
About the Survey
The impetus for this project was to deepen ArtsFairfax’s understanding of the region’s arts ecosystem and improve our ability to support and advocate for individual artists.
ArtsFairfax created the Fairfax Regional Artist Survey to directly inform future services, programs, or resources that are actionable within our scope of work.
We want Fairfax and its surrounding areas to become a place where artists want to live, and where artists can share their work.
Background
In 2023, according to “Measuring the Arts,” the National Endowment for the Arts’ National Arts Statistics and Evidence-based Reporting Center, there were 2.8M artists in the total U.S. labor force—a 36% increase from 2010.
At the local level, ArtsFairfax was curious to learn more about the individual artist workforce that enlivens Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church.
Key Takeaways
Survey Methodology
- Authentic
First and foremost, the survey was developed in collaboration with artists for artists.
ArtsFairfax convened an Artist Advisory Group who were selected for the variety of their professional experiences and art forms, and for where they have lived and worked throughout the study region. They were compensated for their time and directly informed the survey design and questions through a series workshops.
- Anonymous
Our research partner AMS Analytics specializes in arts sector intelligence, planning and research, and performance analytics.
During the workshop process, the decision was made to prioritize reaching as many artists as possible with a survey that was short, accessible, and easy to take, while still providing actionable results.
To encourage survey participation, AMS Analytics and the Advisory Group decided to make the survey anonymous.
- Accessible
Accessibility and equity are key priorities for ArtsFairfax. The survey was available in English, Spanish, Korean, Farsi, and Hindi. We also worked with a cohort from the Leadership Fairfax Emerging Leaders Institute to refine outreach.
Through grassroots flyers, paid and earned media, and distribution from County and civic partners, the survey was promoted and made available online for six months.
ArtsFairfax received 1,480 responses, of which 1,019 were from the target group of practicing artists living or working in the Fairfax County area.
Special Thanks to Our Artist Advisory Group
Ken Avis
Music & Songwriting
Sarah Berry
Public Art & Curation
Shu-Chen Cuff
Dance & Choreography
Brunilda Herring
Theater & Arts Education
Mike Maggio
Poetry & Literary Arts
Nancy Sausser
Fine Art & Arts Administration
Caroline Weinroth
Music & Songwriting
Barbara Zamora
Artisan
The Fairfax Regional Artist Survey was made possible with grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and a private foundation with additional support from Fairfax County and the Virginia Commission for the Arts.
Thank you to our Promotional Partners
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Kelley Choi
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Director of Grants & Community Partnerships
kchoi@artsfairfax.org