"Artrageous" is outrageous!

Let me begin by stating that I am no fan of the Arts Project here in London. It is my position, and one shared by CARFAC, the visual artists' professional association, that artists are entitled to earn a living wage.  It has been recognized that artists are, sadly, the most poorly paid of all professionals.

Organizations such as the Arts Project perform, in my opinion, a disservice to artists. They use up scarce public resources that would be better-used to fund artists and their work. They actually charge artists considerable fees to display work. A month at the Arts Project would cost an artist around $1500! Many reputable galleries now pay artists to exhibit based on a schedule devised by CARFAC in conjunction with many galleries.

These organizations are divisive in that thy create two 'classes' of artists: those who can afford to (and will) rent walls, and those who cannot. In any event, there are many, many opportunities to exhibit that don't end up costing artists. It is totally unnecessary to pay for the privilege of exhibiting in a space that attempts (not too well) to emulate a commercial gallery.

They tend to continue the uniquely north American notion that art is all about profit. Embedded in the dollar culture to the extent that they are, they fail to acknowledge the fact that art is also critique, communication, inquiry, social development, education, and ultimately, rebellion. Where is the support for this, I would politely ask?

So, it was with incredulity and outrage that I read a recent article in the LFP regarding the Art Project's upcoming fund raising venture, "Artrageous."

To start with, art seems strangely absent from this venture.  It is an art auction, but the works to be sold are not the work of local artists. (One wonders why?) Instead, there is a chocolate Eiffel Tower by a local chocolatier. There are paintings by celebrities and politicians. Don't get me wrong, I respect the right of anyone to make and appreciate art. I do have a problem, though, with not showcasing local artists in favour of celebrity non-artists at a fundraiser purported to support the arts and artists.

The issue of access also bothers me. The tickets are very pricey. The want $200/plate or $900 for a table. It is one thing to attract the well off - and you do want them -  but, this pricing will effectively close the door to all but the most affluent artists.

The chocolatier said he would like to get $1500 to $2000 for his tower. Lots of working artists would be delighted to get half that for work that really matters to them and to society overall. I realize he is well meaning and is attempting to support a cause he has an obvious commitment to. However, I cannot but take offense at his statement. It would be so nice if people learned how it is for artists prior to making such comments.

On a similar thread, several artists have been criticizing the Arts Project over another fundraiser. In this one, artists are being asked to pay a $40 fee to have a work hung, and to contribute 50% of monies earned to the cause. None of the $40.00 fee will go to the charity. They are essentially funding their own promotion at the expense of the artists. This is presented as a” great opportunity for exposure." As I stated above, you really don't need them to move forward in your art career. I say that as both an artist and a professional employment specialist (my "day job"). Anyway, you can't eat exposure.

So ends my rant. I am certain the Arts Project would spin this differently, but my opinion is my opinion. I think we would be much better off if the funding directed to such institutions was to be directed instead, to where it is really needed. Artists need considerable support to get their careers established. So many atists invest considerably in their educations and then drop out of art being unable to make a go of things. Others need to maintain a career outside of art. This takes time away from their preferred career activities and, in the end, affects us all, as we don't receive the art we disserve.

What do you think? Am I being harsh? Are their any good reasons to support this organization? I don't see any but mine is but one viewpoint. I am also seeking to hear from other CARFAC members (or potential members) regarding having a regular London meeting.

Cheers

Charles