New campaign. Big goals.

So I am writing here to persuade you to vote and support me in the upcoming Equity Stage Committee election.
But I am also trying to aim high, with the belief that we as professionals can control and have positive impact on our industry.

I have no desire to talk about the difficult “financial climate” for the arts with a defeatist attitude, because I believe in the real, human value of art and culture on our well-being and quality of life, and I think the people of this country do as well.

The recent attention on the contribution of arts and culture to national economy is positive and valuable to the defence of its subsidy. Largely because it means we don’t have to rely on persuading people about “non-monetary benefits”.

The fact of the situation is that every industry is having to make their “economic argument”, and if we hope to continue and develop in this environment then we need to defend the people who are creating and performing. They are our product, our assets after all.

The working standards of individuals can seem small or insignificant in the big picture of Art/Culture/Economy, but I believe defending artists is vital to developing the value and quality of the whole profession.

Other countries already recognise these benefits by having systems that subsidise not just the work, but the professional, artistic development of the individuals.

The influence and power to initiate action on these issues lies entirely with us. A trade union is its members, and only has power when it’s members are active and vigilant.

This includes putting aside any sense of artistic superiority. I think contemporary dance/arts sector performance art (whatever you want to call what it is you do) is sometimes guilty of this because some strive to have distance from commerciality. So perhaps the idea of being classified within the larger community of performing arts is unappealing. But if we don’t do our part, it is only us who will suffer.
If we recognise and fight for the value of individuals, then we are simultaneously fighting for the value of our profession.

It does not always come from high profile conflict, but from the consistent, intelligent, vigilance of individuals.

A trade union that works creatively and intelligently is formidable.

The campaigning and voting starts in June, but in the mean time please take a look at previous posts/articles I’ve written, and above all please share and discuss these issues with your colleagues.

Please get involved. Please join your Union.

N.