Recent updates to Australia’s occupation classifications mean more creative jobs are now better reflected in Census data. Now it’s time to make those improvements count. The information you provide will help the ABS to code your occupation accurately.
The Census will ask you to fill out the following information based on the main job you held in the week before you receive the Census:
| • your occupation title • the main tasks you perform in that occupation • the business name you work for • the industry or business you work in • the main goods or services provided by the business you work for. |
Why the Census matters for the arts sector
Every role matters
From artists to lighting technicians, authors to wardrobe co-ordinators, composers to set designers – your role deserves to be counted.
Freelancers and contractors count
Whether you’re working project to project, running your own business or juggling multiple roles.
Every response builds a clearer picture
The Census helps show the size, diversity and location of Australia’s creative workforce.
Better data helps inform better decisions
Reliable Census data gives governments, industry and researchers a clearer picture of the workforce, helping to inform future planning, skills development and infrastructure.
How to be recognised in the 2026 Census1. Respond to key questions about your occupation • Occupation: Be as specific as possible (e.g., exhibition curator, book editor, circus performer, live performance tour manager, costume designer). And avoid using only broad terms such as ‘manager’, ‘artist’, ‘designer’ or ‘creative’. • Main duties: include a brief description of the work you do, use keywords such as literature, music, dance, visual arts, theatre or community arts. 2. Record industry or business of employer This is the industry that best describes your employer or business, such as 'theatre production’, ‘music recording’, ‘book publishing’ or ‘visual arts and craft production’. 3. If you have more than one role If you work across multiple roles or projects, choose the occupation that best reflects the work you spent most of your time doing or where you earned the most money in the previous week. 4. If you're freelance or self-employed If you’re employed, freelance, self-employed or contracting, do not enter terms such as “self-employed”, “contractor” or “business owner”. Enter the description of your actual occupation. |
The information you provide will help the ABS to code your work in the creative sector accurately. Further information about the 2026 Census can be found via info.census.abs.gov.au
