An international line-up of music promoters, programmers, producers, curators, funders, artists and composers will come together at the Southbank Centre, London, on 6 December to consider how artists and organisations are adapting to a present, and possible future, economy in which income and other resources are becoming more scarce.
The Don’t Panic! Arts in Austerity symposium will look at the changing relationships between arts organisations, artists and audiences in times of austerity, with particular reference to issues such as artists’ pay, the use of volunteers and interns, artistic integrity and the pressure to play safe in order to increase audience numbers.
Organised by Third Ear Music, which has been providing a platform for discussion around the cultural ecology of new music since 2004, this year’s event includes speakers from across the visual and performing arts, as well as from the world of music. And as Third Ear’s Ed McKeon explains, ‘artistic practice’ will be central to the discussions.
“When we’re all under pressure, the temptation is to focus exclusively on ‘number one’, but that doesn’t bode well for organisations, for artists, or for the practice of the arts,” says McKeon. “The idea of artistic practice is crucial because it recognises that the arts involve a process and that they are inherently social. The symposium is an opportunity for people to share ideas as much as to learn how others are dealing with the challenges of the new economy.”
Negotiating professional fees
As part of the day’s programme, a-n’s Director Susan Jones will lead a workshop for practitioners on how to better make the case for and negotiate professional fees and arrangements, drawing on evidence from the Paying artists research and a-n’s annual surveys of employment for artists. She will also contribute to an afternoon panel chaired by Martin Bright (Chief Executive, The Creative Society), exploring how companies and freelance artists are finding ways to work together that benefit all parties. Other sessions during the day will look at how best to articulate the value of creative work, and how both organisations and artists can continue to take risks in times of austerity.
“Many organisations are resisting the temptation to reduce fees to artists and other non-contracted people who work for them – and these should be celebrated,” says McKeon. “But the brutal fact is that it’s becoming ever harder for artists to make a living from their work, or to even supplement an income from other work. And this includes reputable practitioners. When people in the media or the public eye complain about subsidy for the arts, perhaps they should be informed that by far the largest subsidy comes from artists themselves.”
Don’t Panic! Arts in Austerity takes place at the Southbank Centre, London, on 6 December. thirdearsymposium.com #artsinausterity
WIN TICKETS TO THIS DEBATE, WORTH £50 EACH!
As part of our contribution to this important debate about valuing and paying artists with speakers including a-n’s Susan Jones, Andrew Brighton, Lois Keidon and Ed Carter, we’re giving away 5 tickets (each worth £50) in a prize draw offer exclusive to a-n members.
To enter, send an email with Don’t Panic in the subject line to [email protected] and tell us the answer to the following question: What percentage of artists earn less than £10k a year from their practice?
Include your name and full contact details as well as your
a-n membership reference and expiry date.
Deadline for applications: 12 noon, Monday 18 November. Winners will be notified on 19 November.
