As the Corona virus takes a hold of the UK, preluded by a tsunami of memes and nonchalance, artists and freelancers are feeling the choke-hold of this virus, even without being infected by it.
As the Prime Minister dithers and delays any commitment to financial support that isn’t held up by more strings than a marionette, our artist communities are seeing their calendars empty out as quick as the shelves in a supermarket toilet roll aisle. Without the support of government, once again, we the people are left to work out how to support and maintain our communities during these highly precedented, but unsurprisingly ill-prepared for times.
Poet and photographer Poetcurious explores 5 novel ways to support struggling artists, as London prepares to lead the UK into lock down.
1. Stream Independent Artists 24/7
Music venues are locking down and gigs are being cancelled. We haven’t even reached the peak yet, but already musicians are seeing their livelihoods disappear with each new email arriving in their inbox. As much of the financial support we offer to artists is through streaming, and with an increasing number of people working from home, there is potential for a splurge on streaming. Although it is unlikely to compensate for lost earnings, streaming your favourite independent artists is a really simple way of supporting them during this period of lack and uncertainty. Over the next couple of months why not commit to ditching the mainstream and having your Spotify playing only independent artists 24/7? Music is a healer, and it will help all of us trapped in our homes to cope with the monotony of a lock down. Besides that, it will also provide an emotional boost to those artists who are struggling with cancellations to see their numbers steadily rising, despite being unable to perform. It’s a really easy and affordable way to support your favourite artists, as well as an opportunity to discover more favesin the process. And remember, Spotify doesn’t monitor your volume setting, so even when you want a bit of peace and quiet during this period, you can just turn your speakers down and let the music stream in silence. With enough support for this, we really could make a positive difference to our own lives, and those of struggling artists.
2. Buy The Things
What’s better than streaming? Purchasing! If you are fortunate enough to maintain your income through this period of isolation, consider investing a little extra in the artists you love. An obvious way to do this is to buy music from the independent musicians, singers, rappers you listen to regularly (you know, the ones you are now streaming 24/7), but beyond music there are many other artists affected by this virus-induced lock down. Authors, poets, photographers, painters, actors are all feeling the pinch in their own particular ways. With less people visiting gallery and museum gift shops, book shops and markets, you can make a real impact by splashing out on a print, postcard or original work of art. With the extra time you will be spending at home, this is also a good way of freshening up your environment, so you’re not left staring at the same images for the next 2, 3 or 6 months. You can have a hugely positive impact on authors and poets by buying their books; whether they have a new collection or novel, or you finally pick up that book you meant to get when it was first published, now is a good time to stock up your home library. Additionally, this will help you resist the draw of Netflix and Amazon Prime. An active mind is a healthy mind and with so many amazing writers out there, your choices are limitless, regardless of how long this current situation lasts. And then there’s merch. From beanies to badges; t-shirts to tote bags, many artists have merchandise available online, and now would be a good time to invest.
3. Commissions
From a purely capitalist perspective, there has probably been no better opportunity in recent times to grab yourself a bargain from an artist. But, all cynicism aside, why not reach out to an artist and commission them to draw, write, paint or compose a piece of work for you. This doesn’t need to be exploitative, and neither should it be. If you can’t afford to pay a fair price for an original piece of art, music or poetry, then there are other options for supporting. But, if you are one of the lucky ones, who are financially buoyant through this crisis, it is a great opportunity to put some of that wealth to good use. And after all this is over, and we return to our regular patterns of existence, you will still have your own bespoke artwork to inspire conversation, as your dinner parties and house parties get back into full swing. This isn’t an option open to everyone, but for the fortunate few, this option is potentially a shrewd investment as well as a genuine act of support and solidarity in troubled times.
4. Odd Jobs
Nobody gets into a career in the arts because they want to be a waiter/waitress, barista, bar staff or do any of the other myriad jobs that creative people side-hustle their way through to make a living. Now let’s be real, it doesn’t take a global pandemic to make a job in the arts a precarious undertaking. However, even those who have successfully unlocked the dark secrets of existing as a freelance creative, are feeling the pressure and anxiety of having the rug pulled out from under them, firstly by the virus and additionally by the governments lack-lustre response. If you have the means why not get a creative in to use their side-hustle skills to do a few hours cleaning, laundry, DIY, decorating or gardening. Although we won’t be gathering in large groups for the foreseeable future, we may well still be able to entertain the occasional visitor, contractor or home help. This could be a vital antidote to the boredom and repetitiveness of spending several months in your own company, or in the company of the housemate or neighbour that you can only really tolerate, because you’re both out at work most of the day.
Artists tend to possess a broad set of skills that could be very usefully utilised during this complicated and anxious period. And, as with all the other measures mentioned previously, having an artist pop round to clean up or repaint a wall or two, might just have a beneficial impact on your own mental health and wellbeing.
5. Donate
I know a number of artists who already have benefactors; people who occasionally donate a few pounds, just out of love, appreciation and the understanding that making a life out of your art is difficult. Although there is a particular benevolence attached to this approach to supporting an artist, in desperate times, the internal pay-off of donating a few quid to a fellow human being will benefit both of you, as well as being a simple way to show a little love, and share a little wealth. I feel we will increasingly be seeing artists displaying their PayPal or Venmo details on their pages (and I would encourage them to do so), so donating what you can afford is just a few clicks away. And with the option to leave a note with your donations, there’s the added bonus of sharing a few words of support alongside your hard cash. If an artist you wish to support doesn’t have a link to facilitate this, be brave, send them a message and ask for their deets; I am sure they will not be offended.
As we enter into this period of isolation, remember that we are always better off when we support each other, and when we put our collective needs ahead of our individual desires. Artists are just one example of communities that will be struck hard by this virus, and the social restrictions it has necessitated. Although the financial impact will be felt first, it is most important that we look after our physical and mental health, and that of those around us. Not everyone will be able to contribute money to help someone in need, but we can all spare a thought, a phone call, or a kind post on our socials to show that, although we may be out of sight from each other for a while, that doesn’t mean we are alone.
Copyright. Poetcurious. 2020
Comments