Manifesto on status of the artist

In November, the Federation of International Musicians and International Federation of Actors launched their Manifesto on the Status of the Artist as a major step in highlighting the conditions for a contemporary practice. Although aimed at performing artists and emanating from Estonia, the principles and intentions of the Manifesto are highly pertinent to visual and applied artists and to the UK.

When people think about performing artists, they tend to imagine a life of fame, glamour and riches. However, for the vast majority, their chosen profession is a precarious and unstable one, offering a fluctuating, and often inadequate, income. Irregular and unpredictable employment opportunities, atypical contractual relationships and lack of control over working conditions, mean that safeguarding the Status of the Artist is vital in order for a career as a performer to be viable. In the current climate, trends towards greater ‘flexibility’ and mobility threaten the livelihood of performing artists.

“The word ‘status’ signifies, on the one hand, the regard accorded to artists, in a society […] and, on the other hand, recognition of the liberties and rights, including moral, economic and social rights, which artists should enjoy.”

The five key policy recommendations focus on Changes in legal frameworks and employment rights, support for artists’ mobility, protection of intellectual property and involvement in decision-making.

You can download the Manifesto here

Further information
www.fia-actors.com
www.fim-musicians.com

a-n.co.uk November 2009