Recently many of our Facebook pages have had the following posting pop up:
If you ask yourself why artists (djs, singers, actors, dancers, musicians or anyone who falls under the artist category) charge "so much" for performances... We don't get paid vacation, we don't get paid sick days, we don't get bonuses for outstanding performances nor for Christmas. We don't have insurance plans nor do we qualify for unemployment. We sacrifice our family on special days so that we can bring happiness to others. Illness or personal affairs are not excuses for a bad performance. Next time you ask, remember that ARTISTS are ARTISTS because of the love of music & art but that love doesn't pay debts. Happy Artists Day!!
While some may read this as a pity party for the creative sector, it does point out some unique differences that artists have compared to those working in other sectors. Sick leave, holiday pay, 40 hour-weeks, regular income… the securities of a regular job are what many of us succumb to. However, for artists - who choose passion for creativity over passion for paychecks - it's sometimes a tough road, even though they probably consider it a no-brainer. For most, being a performer is an addictive habit. The unbridled satisfaction of sharing their God-given talent with others, entertaining the crowds and livening up the world are pieces of gold for an artist. But the satisfaction won't pay the rent, nor feed the kids.
Which brings me to the Southland Buskers Festival, kicking off over Waitangi weekend here in Invercargill (February 3-5, 2012). For three days and nights, eight selected acts from the World Buskers Festival will be working their abs off - for our entertainment - as we bask in the sun enjoying our time off from our own jobs. While we have wonderful funders such as the ILT and ILT Foundation, Community Trust, Invercargill City Council, etc, helping to make it all happen, the buskers traditionally rely on the money in the hat - our payment for services to entertainment.
So, when they solicit your coins (notes are better, in fact), consider the notion that this is their bread and butter, and the bread and butter of their children. Be generous to these tireless workers who won't be claiming benefits during time off, nor seeking sick leave if they fall off the ladder or unicyle!
We must ensure that they return, working hard for our entertainment, in a job that few of us would even contemplate.
For Southland Buskers Festival information
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