Challenges Faced by Older Visual Artists in South Australia and the Impact of Industry Structure

Leith Semmens
11 minutes ago
4 min read

The visual arts sector in South Australia is rich with talent and creativity, yet older visual artists often face significant challenges that limit their opportunities and recognition. These difficulties are not just personal or incidental; they stem from structural issues within the industry itself. Understanding these barriers is essential to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for artists at all stages of their careers.

An artist engrossed in his work, wearing a paint-splattered apron, stands at a colourful table surrounded by vibrant paints. Behind him, a stone wall serves as a rustic backdrop for his expressive artworks.

Limited Access to Exhibition Opportunities

One of the most pressing challenges for older visual artists in South Australia is gaining access to exhibition spaces. Galleries and art shows often prioritise emerging or mid-career artists, leaving older artists with fewer chances to showcase their work. This preference can be linked to the perceived marketability of younger artists or a focus on fresh, contemporary styles.

Gallery selection bias: Many galleries seek to attract younger audiences and collectors, which can marginalise older artists.
Funding and grants: Funding bodies sometimes prioritise projects by younger artists, assuming they need more support to establish their careers.
Networking gaps: Older artists may not have the same access to current networks or digital platforms that younger artists use to promote their work.

For example, an artist in their 60s might find it challenging to secure a solo exhibition despite decades of experience, while younger artists with less experience receive more invitations.

Challenges with Digital Platforms and Marketing

The rise of digital platforms has transformed how artists promote and sell their work. However, older visual artists often face a steep learning curve with technology, which can limit their ability to reach broader audiences.

Digital literacy: Older artists may lack familiarity with social media, online galleries, and digital marketing tools.
Resource constraints: Investing time or money in learning new technologies can be challenging, especially for artists who rely on art sales for income.
Visibility issues: Without a strong online presence, older artists risk being overlooked by galleries, collectors, and art enthusiasts.

This gap means that while younger artists might build large followings on platforms like Instagram or Etsy, older artists may struggle to maintain visibility in the digital age.

Ageism and Stereotypes in the Art Community

Ageism is a subtle but pervasive issue in the visual arts industry. Older artists often encounter stereotypes that their work is outdated or less relevant, which affects how their art is received and valued.

Perceptions of creativity: There is a misconception that creativity declines with age, which undermines the contributions of older artists.
Market demand: Collectors and galleries may prefer “trendy” or “cutting-edge” art, sidelining traditional or mature styles.
Critical recognition: Reviews and media coverage tend to focus on younger artists, limiting exposure for older practitioners.

These attitudes can discourage older artists from pursuing new projects or engaging with the broader art community.

Financial Instability and Lack of Support

Many older visual artists face financial challenges due to inconsistent income and limited support systems. The industry’s structure often does not provide adequate safety nets or career development opportunities for artists later in life.

Irregular sales: Art sales can be unpredictable, and older artists may not have alternative income sources.
Limited pensions or benefits: Unlike traditional employment, many artists lack access to retirement benefits.
Insufficient professional development: Programs focused on skill-building or career transitions often target younger artists, leaving older artists without tailored support.

For instance, an artist who has worked independently for decades may find it difficult to access government assistance or artist residencies designed for emerging talents.

Lack of Representation in Decision-Making Roles

Older visual artists are underrepresented in leadership and decision-making positions within galleries, arts councils, and funding bodies. This lack of representation means their perspectives and needs are often overlooked in policy and program development.

Governance gaps: Boards and committees tend to skew younger, missing the insights of experienced artists.
Program design: Without input from older artists, initiatives may fail to address the unique challenges they face.
Advocacy: Limited representation reduces the ability to advocate for changes that would benefit older artists.

Increasing the involvement of older artists in these roles could help reshape the industry to be more inclusive.

Examples of Structural Barriers in South Australia

South Australia’s arts infrastructure reflects many of these challenges. For example:

Art fairs and festivals often feature emerging artists prominently, with limited slots for older practitioners.
Grant programs sometimes have age limits or focus on early-career artists, excluding those who start or continue their practice later in life.
Gallery programming may prioritise contemporary trends, making it harder for older artists with established but different styles to gain exposure.

These structural issues create a cycle where older artists struggle to maintain visibility and financial stability.

Steps Toward a More Inclusive Visual Arts Industry

Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from galleries, funding bodies, and the broader arts community. Some practical steps include:

Creating dedicated exhibition opportunities for older artists to showcase their work.
Offering digital literacy training tailored to older artists to help them navigate online platforms.
Developing grant programs that specifically support mid- and late-career artists.
Promoting age diversity in leadership roles within arts organisations.
Raising awareness about ageism and its impact on artistic careers.