Seattle’s vibrant music scene has long been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural identity. However, according to The Seattle Times 2024 Affordability for Artists Survey, the escalating cost of living is pushing local musicians and artists to the brink. This financial strain is not just a personal burden; it has broader regional implications. A thriving arts community is crucial for a dynamic and engaging city. When artists are forced to leave due to high costs, the city's cultural fabric unravels, causing us to lose diversity, creativity, and innovation, leading to a more homogenized and less vibrant community.
According to the Times, housing was the top answer when asked which costs have become more burdensome to them over the past two years, with 72% of the 647 artists who responded selecting it. After housing, those surveyed chose food, rehearsal space, and healthcare as the most burdensome.
Unsurprisingly, respondents indicated that health care is one of the top costs that has become more burdensome in the past two years, after housing, food, and studio/rehearsal space. Most musicians do not have access to employer-sponsored health insurance, and as musicians hustle to make ends meet, healthcare tends to take a backseat to expenses like rent and food.
According to SMASH member data at the end of 2023, 52% of our members didn't have health insurance,13% received it through a spouse, partner, or another family member, 6% purchased their own health insurance, and about 9% had an employer-sponsored plan.
Musicians and artists are not just cultural assets but vital to the city's soul. Our region's cultural future depends on the collective efforts of the community, policymakers, and organizations dedicated to supporting artists (like SMASH!). We believe musicians deserve access to high-quality healthcare services and shouldn’t have to be wealthy or reliant on parents or partners to access them.
We invite you to join us in providing musicians access to free and low-cost healthcare by joining Sound Society, SMASH's recurring giving program. Not only will you make a lasting impact on the lives of local musicians, but Sound Society membership comes with some pretty great perks, including…
🔈access to complimentary tickets to SMASH events.
🔈a Sound Society pin, and depending on which level you choose, SMASH merch.
🔈optional recognition on the SMASH website and our fall benefit concert program.
🔈a special members-only presale period for SMASH Benefit tickets.
🔈donations are tax-deductible.