I'm not sure about this - why shouldn't artists be paid for what they work
at? I'm not thinking of the disproportionate amounts some are able to
generate but , in this context, I always think of my husband (now ex) who
is/was a musician. Over the years he performed in benefits for a variety of
causes (he's never been in the sort of band that made a lot of money).
Whilst he was happy to play for nothing, I couldn't help noticing that only
the musicians gave their services for free - sound crew, lighting, ticket
sellers etc were all paid. Is the artist's labour to be free because she/he
enjoys (not the most appropriate word but it'll do) what he/she is doing?
Which begs a number of questions.
As a teacher in NSW I am all too aware that the remuneration one receives is
closely associated with status/respect. Not a position I'd endorse but it's
one way of measuring how little poetry means to most people.
As usual, feeling as if I've only touched the surface,
Geraldine
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