KNOW YOUR OWN WORTH
There is a value to everything in life. It need not always be financial. I value my family and my friends greatly. I value the air and I value the oceans. I value the moments in life that inspire me beyond all else. What I put a value on is my power to decide. It is the power you have also. We all do.
WE AS HUMAN BEINGS DECIDE WHAT VALUE WE PLACE ON LIFE AND ALL WITHIN IT.
There is no magical value spirit that one day said one industry is worth more than another. There is no magical value spirit that said you should only get paid for this job and not that job. That most definitely, has and will always be the responsibility of us. Humans. I, since birth, have danced. Personally, I think we all do. We all move through space and improvise through life every day we breathe. I put great value on my life. I would think most people do. We take pride in what we do. Whether you are a painter, an accountant, a chef or a sportsman.
There is a massive issue in Australia however, and it has been around my entire career. That issue is that the arts, as an industry, is undervalued in comparison to a great deal of industries. This is not a new conversation that I am starting. It is a continued one that during 2020 again, has reared its head far too many times.
When does change become a reality?
We’ve had the conversation; we’ve yelled and banged our heads against walls and called out injustice. Exploitation. And then, we do it again. And again. And again.
I’ve thought a lot over the last 48 hours about this. Again, we have had a major organisation, hire an organisation within our own industry, who has called out for volunteers aged 15 years and over to dance at a major sporting event, for great experience and exposure.
There are a many thing wrong with this.
Firstly, we, as an industry have a union that many performing artists and dancers are not a part of or even know about.
Secondly, we as an industry seem to continue to undercut each other’s worth to ensure success for ourselves. Even when it is unintentional.
Thirdly, major sporting organisations, who receive far more government and private funding than the entire arts industry all together in this country, have a budget to hire production companies and performing artists at equity rates.
Of course, this is not the first-time performers would volunteer at major sporting events. No matter what has been done in the past, major sporting events ARE the events that have the budget to pay the entertainment. Dancers should be factored into this.
Whether you agree or not, the education or in some cases lack of education in regard to the worth of a professional dancer is on us. As an industry, we are responsible to ensure that moments such as this do not happen. Especially at times where the performing arts industry has been brutally decimated in 2020 during this pandemic.
WE AS HUMAN BEINGS DECIDE WHAT VALUE WE PLACE ON LIFE AND ALL WITHIN IT.
When we speak of value, as a profession, it comes with a price tag. Yes, art can be created without the need of money. I can wake up today and make a film, create movement, work on a sound design, go for a walk with my camera and take photographs. I personally then can sell these or keep them for myself. Share them on socials and be proud of them. That is my choice for my art.
When I then pack my bag and head out to a job. Just like a tradesman or chef. Like a professional footballer after years of my own strenuous training, sacrifice and dedication. That comes with a value that needs to have a dollar sign on it, because that is what a profession is.
You can dance for the love it; you can make art for the love of it. You cannot however build a professional career just for the love of it. Because that is a beautiful hobby, not a successful career.
Know your own worth. Join the union.
#paythedancers #MEAA