Following the announcement of Arts Council England-commissioned research on freelancers, lighting designer Paule Constable shares the harsh reality facing self-employed creatives.
I’m angry. Really angry now.
In a week when we have witnessed so much horror in the global news, I know that I am feeling lost, angry and helpless; and it may seem indulgent and insensitive to then shift my fury towards Arts Council England – into a world that many may consider exclusive. But the news that English National Opera are axing 19 orchestral jobs and employing their remaining musicians part time is the icing on the proverbial cake. Because this is a narrative that affects all of us freelancers – not just classical musicians, and not just those who work in opera.
I am not pointing the finger at ENO. I mean, what choice do they have? This is the direct result of the disastrous position they have been placed in by the Arts Council. As ENO said in a statement: “We are having to reevaluate our employment levels across every part of the organisation”.
So what does “reevaluate” mean? If we make things cheaper then we can afford to do what is expected of us. And how do we do that? Ah – by creating more freelancers...Keep reading on Freelancers make theatres work.
I’m angry. Really angry now.
In a week when we have witnessed so much horror in the global news, I know that I am feeling lost, angry and helpless; and it may seem indulgent and insensitive to then shift my fury towards Arts Council England – into a world that many may consider exclusive. But the news that English National Opera are axing 19 orchestral jobs and employing their remaining musicians part time is the icing on the proverbial cake. Because this is a narrative that affects all of us freelancers – not just classical musicians, and not just those who work in opera.
I am not pointing the finger at ENO. I mean, what choice do they have? This is the direct result of the disastrous position they have been placed in by the Arts Council. As ENO said in a statement: “We are having to reevaluate our employment levels across every part of the organisation”.
So what does “reevaluate” mean? If we make things cheaper then we can afford to do what is expected of us. And how do we do that? Ah – by creating more freelancers...Keep reading on Freelancers make theatres work.