Living Statue Busker Now The Highest Paid In Australian Arts Sector

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A recent report has revealed that a living statue busker operating out of Pitt St Mall in Sydney is now the highest earner in the Australian arts industry.

Trent Yorke (49), who has been standing frozen while drenched in silver paint on Australia's streets for the last 15 years, was honoured to hear about the new title.

"Finally, I am being recognised."

The 49 year old reportedly earns up to $100 per day for his craft, far out-earning all others in the Australian Arts.

The findings were released this week by a cultural economics researcher on the hunt for the most cashed up crative in the country.

"This guy is killing it," the researcher explained.

"$500 a week in the Australian Arts world is big money."

Yorke's operation reportedly peaks during weekends and public holidays and is a rare success story in an often neglected sector of the Australian work force.

Trent says his most profitable manoeuvre involves remaining completely motionless for close to forty minutes before suddenly pointing at a child.

"People lose their minds every time," said one nearby retailer.

Despite the financial success, Yorke says the lifestyle remains physically demanding.

"You try holding a fake Charlie Chaplin inspired pose in 34 degree heat while a group of teenagers tries to make you crack."

Arts administrators have congratulated Trent on the achievement and confirmed they are now exploring whether standing completely still in a shopping precinct may represent the only financially sustainable model left for Australian creative industries.