Unlocking Creative Potential: Tribeworks Leads the Way in Employment Services for Artists

Creative workers can access benefits of W-2 employment, such as regular payroll and health insurance, through Tribeworks, a worker owned cooperative changing the way employment feels for artists.

In the constantly evolving landscape of the creative industry, discovering stable employment opportunities can often resemble navigating a complex maze, and innovation in the creative sector is not just desirable; it's imperative. Arts and cultural economic activity accounted for over $1 trillion of the gross domestic product in the United States in 2021, according to data from the Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account. Despite this significant contribution, many artists face considerable challenges, particularly those who are self-employed. The National Endowment for the Arts highlights that a substantial portion of artists work independently without the safety net of traditional employment benefits or access to wealth. The lack of support structures for these individuals is glaring.

 

Artists and creative workers are looking to thrive in their craft while securing sustainable income and benefits, but they are often gatekept and exploited. Tribeworks is revolutionizing the way artists and creative professionals access employment services. With our innovative approach and commitment to empowering individuals in the creative industry, we're thrilled to announce that Tribeworks has been prominently featured in two significant pieces of research that shed light on the future of employment for artists.

The first report - Advance Sustainable Livelihoods for Arts and Cultural Workers: Recommendations from Creatives Rebuild New York’s Artist Employment Working Group - underscores the importance of tailored employment solutions for artists and creative workers. It highlights the critical need for cooperative initiatives that provide financial stability and support the diverse talents within the creative community. Tribeworks is proud to be recognized as a key player in this movement, offering specialized services that cater to the unique needs of creatives through cooperative W-2 employment. Our model allows otherwise self-employed artists to access structures like payroll, insurance coverage, and tax support. 

 

Additionally, the Artist Employment Program Process Evaluation validates the impact of guaranteed income programs and employment services in revitalizing the creative economy, as well as the value of our partnership throughout the two-year initiative. As Tribeworks continues to spearhead efforts in cooperative employment, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for both our company and the creative community at large. We are grateful to Danya Sherman and Deidra Montgomery for their intentional research, and for the insights of the Working Group!

At Tribeworks, we understand the unique challenges that artists and creative workers face in pursuing their passions while ensuring financial stability. That's why we specialize in providing employment services that address the needs of the artistic community. Through our partnerships with guaranteed income programs and arts organizations, we offer a lifeline to individuals in the creative sector, allowing them to focus on their craft without the constant worry about making ends meet. Additionally, as a worker owned cooperative, Tribeworks is built upon a foundation of solidarity and collective prosperity. Innovative employment such as this in the creative sector is crucial in addressing disparities, fostering new models that empower artists economically, providing access to resources, and cultivating sustainable careers in the arts. 

 
I can’t name a single more supportive employment experience that I have had in my entire life.
— Tribeworks member in the CRNY artist employee program
 

With these recent endorsements backing our mission, Tribeworks is poised to lead the charge in supporting artists and creatives through meaningful employment opportunities. Whether you're a funder looking to invest in the future of the arts, an arts organization seeking innovative employment solutions, or a creative worker in search of stability, Tribeworks is here to help. As we reflect on these exciting milestones, we are more energized than ever to continue our mission of supporting artists and creative workers through the cooperative model. 

Visit our website at www.tribeworks.io to learn more about how we're shaping the future of employment for artists and creatives. Together, let's unlock a prosperous future for the creative economy.