June 19, 2012 -A survey being released today suggests that arts graduates -- counter to the stereotype -- are not all facing unemployment. The survey, the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project, includes graduates of arts colleges and of arts programs within broader universities. Among the findings:

• 87 percent of arts graduates who are currently employed are satisfied with the job in which they spend the majority of their work time.
• Of those employed alumni, 82 percent are satisfied with their ability to be creative in their current work, whether working in the arts or in other fields.
• Only 4 percent of respondents report being unemployed and looking for work – less than half the national rate of 8.9 percent.
• 84 percent of employed alumni agree that their current primary job reflects their personalities, interests and values, whether their work is in the arts or other fields.

Those with degrees in the performing arts and design are the most likely ever to be  employed as professional artists, with 82 percent of dance, theater and music  performance majors, and 81 percent of design majors working as professional artists at some point.

From:  www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2012/06/19/arts-graduates-are-generally-satisfied-employed