Artist as unpaid carer

Last week, I took part in the National Centre for Creative Health Creative Health Review Roundtable.

There were some very inspiring examples of how arts in social care can be used to improve wellbeing, although within the discussion, it was clear that this is isolated to a few select areas where funding is allocated, and it needs to be more universal!

If only there was something happening in Lincolnshire to mirror Plus One in Derby, for example.

Anndeloris Chacon of Bristol Black Carers reflected my own #wagesnotclaps campaign for carers, when she said that caring should never be defined as “unpaid” or “informal”, given the impact it has on carer’s lives.

I’m back to fighting for my respite funding, and in fact, more financial support to prevent bankruptcy, debt, potential homelessness, and all the cost of living crisis effects that are putting us at dire economic risk, and are not being supported by carer’s charities.

I have discovered that if I complain to the local authority about their definitions of carers being “unpaid” against our will, and they don’t uphold the complaint, I can complain to an ombudsman.

I wasn’t going to renew my membership here, but it has gone out automatically, so rather than be bankrupted by the lack of arts opportunities for artist carers, it would be useful to receive some funding, a bursary, or other exhibition opportunity that I take the time to apply for, without any other gatekeeping criteria.

Carers are rightfully angry, and not just me!

We are angry that these charities are not doing anything to support our actual needs! And we need #wagesnotclaps not carer’s leave – how am I supposed to get carer’s leave as a freelance fine artist? From who?

Does anyone know if Artists’ Day Rate Fees are going to be readjusted to match the Cost Of Living Crisis and the new energy crisis?

This is the biggest issue as an artist and carer – sky high energy bills that are now increasing to ridiculous levels.

I really hope fees for artists will rise to cover these additional costs!

Earlier this month, I was paid to participate in an online discussion about arts and mental health, organised by the Culture, Health & Wellbeing Alliance.

It was a really positive event, and payment for my expertise has now appeared in the bank, which mitigates against the impending financial catastrophe awaiting us with cuts to Universal Credit.

I’m hoping there will be more of these, as my expertise is at the forefront.

I compiled this blog back in February, and have updated it to highlight issues of grifting that affect artists in Lincoln: https://helend-blackbird.blogspot.com/2021/02/so-social-prescribing-is-hot-topic.html

I read on social media of a friend that said she had MH, but now has a good job that she loves, a house, and a partner – all positive stuff!

So why am I battling with Carer’s Assessments to prove that although my son is functioning, and not suicidal, that he still needs support?

Carer’s Week this year was the usual boasting about carers not being paid, campaigns to make us “visible”, but not actually funding my work, and highlighting the need for respite breaks – our carer’s group were advised “if you’re at burnout (which is all carers), try to take a respite break”. But when I recently took a respite break to visit family, who I haven’t seen for a year, I was told (gaslit) that I have no caring role.

So when my friend with MH goes to work, does her partner stop caring? He seems quite vocal about how proud he is of her, so does that stop when she goes to work, and start again when she gets home?

Is it reSPITE?

Can someone commission me to make that into a neon text piece in the style of the cocktail bar sign in Cocktail?

Next week is Carer’s Week again, and carer’s charities are campaigning for carers to be more visible.

Meanwhile, I’m campaigning for #wagesnotclaps
https://helendearnleyillustration.blogspot.com/2020/05/ms-blackbirds-birdwatching-discoveries.html

It would be helpful if other artists supported this campaign.