The fact is that culture and the arts are used as a tools to promote
local authority, government and community agendas, and this is not
going to go away. That means that there will always be employment
available for visual and applied artists within these agendas.
We want decent wages for this employment, within sustainable and
supported working conditions.
This type of work, will not suit artists who have personal autonomy
at the heart of what they do. But there are artists who have a
passion to work with communities and on team projects.
The Culture Bill is focused on the arts within agendas...
So is trying (not very well) to dictate a more transparent structure
for 'delivery', more accountability, access and 'value for money'.
All this makes perfect sense until you realise they have left out the
key ingredients...
It seems that the officials behind all the planning and strategy and
policy, are desperate to control and contain the creative spirit; so
they can take the credit as usual.
Artists are only to be patronised with awards and invitations to
Cultural Academy lunches!
Musicians and Actors only got better wages and conditions by
operating a closed shop....
I wonder what would happen if Artists went down the same route!