DATA BYTE:
Connecting the Dots 2024 Update

Connecting the Dots – #YesThisIsAnArtsStory is the third Data Byte focusing on mothers in the dance economy. Mainstream arts & dance organizations have ignored the impact of lack of child care resources and federally mandated parental leave on the ability of women to remain and thrive in the performing arts, especially dance, which demographically is at least 2/3rds female. In 2024 child care costs have reached a crisis level with families on average spending 24% of their household earnings v. what is considered an affordable 7% level. More than one-third (35%) of families are also using their savings to cover the cost of child care. Increasing child care costs and unavailable child care resources forces working mothers to partially or fully leave the workforce, which results in an increased gender wage gap for all women. By contrast business advocates like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Bloomberg, and McKinsey & Company have recognized the need for paid leave and better child care provisions, but arts organizations continue to show underwhelming support for working women in the arts, in great measure because the US, alone among developed countries, has no national safety net in place, placing the burden solely on individual companies and parents.

DDP is calling on all national arts organizations, but especially those like the NEA, AFTA and Dance/USA to prioritize parental leave and child care. Dance Data Project understands that working women and mothers are the pillars of the dance industry, and the prioritization of their needs is key to this industry’s success.