The organisers cited 'how wondeful it was' that musicians could 'expose' themselves to audiences, cited this tired old line while claiming that free performances were part of the strict terms of the Fête de la Musique 'World Music' international charter. An extract of this charter is posted on the BBC website.
However, this misrepreents the terms of this international charter by what it omits, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fête_de_la_Musique. Many free concerts are organized, making all genres of music accessible to the public. One of the caveats to being sancioned by the official Fete de la Musique organization in Paris that,
. . . all concerts must be free to the public. It's not required that musicians play for free, though many [may choose to] do so.
However, here in Brisbane, in the so-called 'smart state', while no musicians were paid, BBC origanisers revealed that the hire companies, sound equipment, lighting and staging operators etc were paid. It was also clear that Brisbane City Mall public traffic was up enormously and that many retailers saw increased sales though this public engagement, bought about by the performances of many of Brisbane's variously up-and-coming musicians or established acts.
Suggestions: retail might consider contributing to the costs of artist's fees and/or other value-adding through cross-subsidisation or promotions?
Well past time Brisbane grew up in respect to valuing its art, and that BCC took stock of is ethical stance and rewarded its communities - inlcuding artists - instead of only mutlinational industries and local goverments who take avantage of artist's IP and music content.
Is this really what the council and goverment means by 'creative industries' as expressed in these actions?
1 comment:
I am very happy to hear you stand up for young artists. We all get caught up in what we perceive to be opportunities and take a chance that providing our services for free or honorariums will be to our futures advantage. Sometimes it is and often it isn't. Young people, in their enthusiasm, are especially prey to these ploys. Your article reminded me of what one of my teachers once told me. He played with the NY Philharmonic and the the Phil had a policy when asked to do "freebies' or donate their services. They were happy to provide services free of charge if everyone else, including stage hands, audio engineers, etc. were providing services for free. Young people need to keep in mind they are needed too! They don't want to say no and miss the opportunity to perform so it needs to be up to the organizers of an event to provide an honorarium, at least. Young bands need to pay for strings, drum heads, amps and gas, too!
Post a Comment