All new parents are entitled to maternity leave, but the finances are not guaranteed. Even though artists and musicians work a lot, they are not automatically entitled to parental benefits. This creates unnecessary insecurity for artists and musicians," says Sara Indrio, chairperson of the Danish Artist Association:

"Koda's report clearly shows how necessary it is to remove the many barriers so that artists and musicians on maternity leave are on equal footing with others. The current system creates unnecessary uncertainty for parents-to-be and can prevent people from choosing the industry - or staying in it."

Report documents maternity challenges

Analyses Maternity leave in the music industry highlights the uncertainty and concludes that for many musicians, income during maternity leave is hard to come by and just getting access to maternity pay can be a struggle.

Every year, the Danish Artist Association helps many members navigate a system where they find it difficult to fit in. It requires ongoing guidance and hands-on help to understand the rules and where artists fit into them. We can help the vast majority, especially if the member applies in good time.

"We face issues around maternity leave on several levels. But we need the help of politicians and employers to rethink a labour market that can also accommodate artists' conditions. Of course, there must be a safety net for everyone who goes on parental leave - a basic right, which means that you are always guaranteed a minimum level of financial security.." She says.

Legislation needs to be updated

Eligibility for parental benefits is determined by previous work and income, but the legislation is constructed around consistent work and income: either in a salaried position or as self-employed in your own business.

Most artists and music creators have a combination of income, including salary, fees, grants, royalties and profits from their own business. Studies show that many have over 30 employer relationships in a year.

The combination of incomes is not accommodated in the maternity leave legislation and therefore the legislation should be updated to be fairer and provide security for all professional groups, including those who do not have a permanent 8-16 position, says Sara Indrio:

"Right now, artists' multiple incomes are a disadvantage in the current maternity legislation. Combined income is one of the reasons why we see a lack of security and certainty in artists' working lives. Artists and other freelancers should be placed on an equal footing with salaried employees in the legislation in the form of a combined income status, so that their work and income also entitle them to parental leave, regardless of how many jobs they have or what type of income they have in their work. This must be possible while maintaining and supporting the Danish welfare society."

The report also highlights the great uncertainty associated with 'being away' from the industry during maternity leave. This is especially true for women, who typically have the longest maternity leave.

"More flexible options to work during parental leave for those who want it would be exciting to explore. But we also need to have a dialogue with employers and the industry in general about solidarity solutions," says Sara Indrio.

Report provides backing for legislative change

Analyses Maternity leave in the music industry highlights the uncertainty and concludes that for many musicians, income during maternity leave is hard to come by and just getting access to maternity pay can be a struggle.

"Koda addresses an important issue as a natural result of the many examples of how unsafe it is to choose a career in music. None of the music organisations can stand alone in removing the barrier of maternity leave. There is no doubt that the report will provide momentum for continued work to influence legislation and broaden understanding of the challenges of choosing a career as an artist."

The analysis was prepared by the think tank EQUALIS in collaboration with Koda, the Danish Artists' Union and the Danish Musicians' Union. The Danish Artist Association has contributed as a knowledge partner and with consultancy assistance to the report.

The analysis examines the conditions and experiences of male and female artists who are members of Koda and who are between 20 and 50 years old.