Sole Proprietorship
A large portion of artists run their own businesses. The most common business structure is sole proprietorship. According to the 2014 Income Survey, over 50% of all artists have a sole proprietorship, compared to just 10% of the general population.
Limited Companies
The second most common business structure among artists is a limited company. These are typically small businesses with one or two owners, known as closely held companies.
Full-Time Entrepreneurs
Only 12% of artists earn their entire income from business activities. However, this number is increasing as the job market evolves.
Combination Earners
Most artists who report income from sole proprietorships are also salaried employees. About 23% of artists have both business income (F-tax) and salary income (A-tax). In the general population, only 3% have this combination.
Freelance Contractors
Many artists are affiliated with so-called freelance employment companies. A quarter of all freelance contractors in Sweden work in the cultural and media sector. This means they operate through a freelance employment company such as Frilans Finans, Cool Company, or Gigger.
Recommendation
To avoid creating obstacles for artists, it is important to understand how business structures work in the arts sector. Artistic entrepreneurship differs significantly from other professions. Artists are sometimes described as reluctant entrepreneurs, meaning that many would prefer to be employed but are forced into self-employment due to industry conditions.
For more insights, refer to the government report Artist – Regardless of Conditions? The figures above are sourced from that study.
