UCLA

Economic geography and urban planning literature, along with the rhetoric of regional boosters, emphasize the role that art plays in the regional economy as a "creative industry." Previous studies illuminate work patterns of artists, but to date little is known about the workers that artists hire as assistants. To the surprise of many outside of the art world, contemporary art is often made not by the hands of a single artist, but by artist's assistants'. The role of assistants in art production remains mysterious and obscure within the discourses of both art and economic development. This research explores the working conditions and labor market characteristics that shape artist assistants' experiences through twenty in-depth interviews with workers.

This research finds that artist assistants' employment patterns reflect those of the contemporary post-fordist, flexible economy rather than pre-industrial patronage systems. The material/conceptual interdependence that historically characterizes studio work is reflected in the erosion of the physical/mental labor division in the wider economy. Like many workers today, artist assistants are falling through the cracks of U.S. employment laws and the social safety net. Changes to these laws as well as Alternative Worker Organization models are potential mechanisms for improving studio-workplace conditions. Finally, art world actors must deconstruct the myth that art is created by a solitary creative genius.