A fine line...

Chatting with a friend the other day, they were talking about several projects they are currently involved in. All 'incubation' type projects, and all without a fee for the artist.

With funding (in real terms) decreasing for our dance companies (and the recent loss of Danceworks) the need for other 'structures' or organisations to provide opportunities for dance artists to develop their craft has never been more important. But at what point do we insist that an artist be paid?

I am not criticising the new initiatives that we are seeing (thus the title...a fine line). People in the arts work hard. These opportunities are being squeezed out of a stone, by the passionate and the committed. But it is a fair question...and I don't expect the answer to be black and white.

When is it reasonable for a funded organisation to create unpaid opportunities for artists. Do these connections lead on to further work? Or are we just happy with being given space and time to make?

What are the boundaries...an artist should receive a fee when....

One of the best things organisations can do when they provide these opportunities is clearly articulate all of the benefits that the participants receive. This helps balance out the question of money.

However...

Bottom line is, we all want to get paid...

Cheers

Luke