Vicki KyriakakisThis article is UK based, but it reflects my own anecdotal findings in conversations I had in Australia about working class participation in the Arts. I wrote that for The Guardian Australia earlier in the year about the elitism of the arts industries and how working class people are being shut out. Any #WorkingClass #Artists here? Be keen on your reflections on this. (Here's the latest article in Guardian UK, I'll post mine in a follow up comment).
Keith GowHere's the article I wrote for The Guardian Australia earlier in the year about the systemic barriers that prevent working class artists from breaking into a career in the arts and contributing to the national cultural conversation.
Now at @@VickiKyriakakis Excellent article.
Just anecdotally, some of the most talented and creatively brilliant people I know ended up giving up and working ordinary jobs.
If they're lucky, some get to paint as a hobby or play weekend gigs with their band. If not, they have to care for a relative, survive as a single parent, or deal with chronic health issues.
Others who are extremely talented feel lucky that they managed to get a jobs as music school teachers, graphic designers, or corporate copywriters.
One of my relatives used to live next door to a guy who used to be in a reasonably well-known Australian rock band. He gave up music to care for his partner and his son (both had disabilities).
I guess it's the great tragedy of the arts in Australia.
@ajsadauskas Thank you!
The lost creative potential is the thing that breaks my heart the most. Original genius is left to wither beneath the heal of capitalism. Meanwhile grifters make money selling cheap as chips derivative BS. It is a great tragedy.
The lost creative potential is the thing that breaks my heart the most. Original genius is left to wither beneath the heal of capitalism. Meanwhile grifters make money selling cheap as chips derivative BS. It is a great tragedy.
@VickiKyriakakis The Guardian in the UK ran another article on the topic.
As soon as I read it, I remembered this thread and decided to post it here: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/dec/18/uk-creative-industries-low-pay-job-insecurity-diverse-poor
It raises an interesting point: if we want the arts to be more genuinely inclusive, then it needs to pay better as a career. Otherwise, the only people who can afford to be a struggling artist are those with intergenerational wealth to fall back on.
@ajsadauskas Ooh thanks. I’ll take a look!
@ajsadauskas I have been thinking that if I do a follow up article I’d love to focus on possible solutions, especially ones being piloted already like paying artists a living wage
Geoff Ryan@VickiKyriakakis Thank you. As one of those working class artists it means a lot to know there’s someone out there trying to help get voices from varied walks of life out into the world.