Tackling abuse in the art industry

In recent months, a long-overdue spotlight has been shone on the toxic culture underpinning parts of the digital art industry. While the issues are varied and complex, the core focuses on individuals in positions of power using their clout to exploit and prey on artists who are simply trying to establish themselves.

It’s a problem that’s recognised as not being exclusive to comics or concept art workplaces. Indeed, a number of industries are being forced to acknowledge the scale and significance of the abuses of power going on behind the scenes.

So how have we ended up in this situation? And what do we do now the conversations have started? We asked artists working in the industry today what steps we need to take to create a safe, fair space for everyone.