Artists: They make more, but paid less!

“If you want to create something, you have to be something” - Goethe.

Artists are difficult to find and though they are practically around us, they are the silent types or the extremely extrovert ones. They seem to blend in very well with the society, a camouflaging capability that other people are unable to determine who’s who. But eventually, observations may confirm who the artists are for they, clueless as they are, rise above the rest when they create something extraordinary and behave a distinct artist quality.

Artists are something (that could be an underestimation) and they have a continual desire to create something out of their particular expertise. They express themselves in many different ways through an output usually noticeable to the public. And when their points do not come across the minds of the masses, they still create art not merely because they want the attention but because they simply want to express themselves. Artists are unconventional, peculiar, sought-after, complicated and imaginative. They deserve high-compensation, attention and strong marketing. And it is in this sense that I strongly agree that governments (and even companies who need artists) around the world, especially in the Philippines, should augment a regular funding amount for the arts, for the artists.

Being a stage manager is a privilege for I come in contact with a variety of stage actors, directors, choreographers, musicians and the like. We are all artists. It is opportune to work with brilliant minds because you need not to keep asking for concepts; they generously give what they know without holding back. Having encountered co-artists on a regular basis, theater has confronted me with the reality that “theater” artists are paid at a very minimum price - but they stay. Why? Because art is art… they always work for the love of art even if the pocket is empty. I must say that Art continues to exist because of these passionate individuals. A trivia: Did you know that many artists stick to the notion that they are “starving artists” and that “money will come later”? The former is sadly true but the latter doesn’t always happen.

Who do you consider artists in this generation? I assume, the musicians, stage actors, directors, choreographers, fashion designers, interior designers, architects, painters, sculptors, make-up artists, dancers, singers… basically those who have talent in visual and performing arts… those who aim for beauty at a high level. Why fund for them? Because the reality is… we admire them, we are entertained by them, we like them, we look for them. And to be able to have them, we must take care of them (financially and emotionally). They will keep working towards splendor even if they don’t get enough stipends for all their efforts but we have to remember that they need support, always.

//15sept2008

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