Book excerpt: Focusing on artists and creators, this shortform book analyses the labour market in the creative economy in the context of cultural policies. Based on a series of studies involving Polish artists spanning 10 years, the book identifies the key factors needed to understand contemporary labour markets in the creative and cultural sectors worldwide. The authors integrate artists’ perspectives to present truly rounded evidence, shedding light on the applicational perspective of the research findings. Illuminating the socioeconomic status of artists in Poland, this book is essential reading for researchers interested in cultural policy and the creative economy, as well as work and labour studies more broadly. It will also be of interest to practitioners in the creative and cultural industries.