Thomas, C. W., 2021. Artists as Workers
[Q]: What is the problem with art as a worker?
[A]: Artistic labour seems to be easily forgotten.
[Q]: What is the aim of the report?
[A]: This report attempts to reposition the contemporary UK artist as a worker, by placing their working conditions front and centre.
[Q]: What is the name of the report that aims to reposition the contemporary artist as a worker?
[A]: Dismantlingromanticised images of the ‘lifestyle’ artist.
[Q]: What does the study look for?
[A]: The study looks for emerging trends in how the world of work for artists has changed.
[Q]: What does the report examine?
[A]: It also examines how future policy changes might reshape and reposition the sector.
Precarity, exploitation and inequality in the art world were not produced by Covid. The labour conditions of artistic workers in the UK have long been characterized by pervasive trends. All too often, these have been under explored by those within and outside the industry. It seems that artistic labour is forgotten.
The impact of working conditions on artists . Many people feel pressured to betray their values in order to survive. A group of artists are based in London. The group is on a tour in support of Covid. Artists rights unions exist, but are less common than expected. Young people with no dependents who can afford to be precarious can do zero hourscontracts and undercut their colleagues. Artists are almost our own worst enemy. But at the same time, they are incredibly accepting of shit conditions. The sector was exploitative before the Pandemic, with artists often working without pay. There are opportunities for the sector to be redefined with inclusivity in mind. Artquest has a report on artists as workers. The goal is to address the problems facing artists as workers. The report is intended to start the process.
What does ‘artistic labour’ mean to you?
Few people make a lot of money from their artistic practice. Artists are often asked to work for free, in keeping with the way an artist’s livelihood is often undervalued, seen by outsiders as a “hobby” or leisure activity not worth paying for.This unpaid pattern is an essential part of art.
The most fundamental driving force and cause of art is human practice, which is the most influential revelation of the fundamental cause of art. The view that art originated from labor prevailed in the literary and art theory circles of the Soviet Union and China. Art is born from the labor of the creator, but people value the end result more than the process of creation. The core subject of artistic labour is people. It is believed that all human activities originate from labor.
How you will ‘announce’ your portfolio work to fellow students and a wider public?
Make announcements on the network organized by art universities, put up art posters or buy some advertising space in the school (physical or offline)
Publicly funded art institutions include museums such as Tate and Arts Council England. Private galleries include White Cube and Hauser and Wirth. Auction houses include Sotheby’s and Christie’s.
Creative Visual Arts Network (CVAN) represents a diverse visual arts community of artists, creative practitioners, and arts organisation, institutions and galleries across nine regions in England. Migrants in Culture (MiC) is a network of migrants organising to create the conditions of safety, agency and solidarity in the culture sector.
Artquest is a website providing advice, information and opportunities for visual artists. Artquest is funded by Arts Council England’s London regional office as part of their national portfolio.
Bectu – Broadcasting, Entertainment,Communications and Theatre Union. National Society for Education in Art and Design (NSEAD)