Does the idea of arts, performance and film by artists with learning disabilities being seen “free” by audiences, lower the expectations of audiences who see our work? There was talk at Creative Minds Bristol on 14th October 2014 that free events means that different audiences “discover” our work – like street performance meaning that passers by would discover how good our work is. But – will this support these new audiences to value what we produce creatively? Or will they just see it as “something nice and worthy”?
Andy Kee – independent artist, London
Andy Kee, Visual Artist
I think it’s really good to see shows for free like when I go to Bradford Festival. If I go to see a show at the theatre though it can be very expensive. Free shows mean you can see more things.
I think it’s easier because not everyone with learning disabilities knows the value of money. Free performances mean that everyone has access to shows and the ability to support the performers.
1) ‘Value’ has nothing to do with money. 2) Many people including the majority of disabled people can’t afford to pay to access the arts. 3) We don’t need to prove the worth of our art to anyone.
Let’s turn this round & as disabled artists take the lead in making the arts freely available to everyone.
I think you miss Andy’s point. Value is placed on things that “cost” you something, and that doesn’t have to mean an exchange of money. Things that are given away free do not often have the same value. I think Andy’s point is really interesting. Giving away something for free might very well mean that new audiences see them. But I think there might be a cost to that. As the Creative Minds Revolution video says, “I ain’t no buy one get one free”.
its not to do with money….. its how other see you and your work eg “you as a artist don’t even value your Own work if you give free workshops all the time”. Not all disabled Artists are able to gain good long term training without some cash in support in order to develop self.
Here, here! Why should you guys be devalued by the willingness of others to pay for what you do?
It’s a tricky one…many arts organisations are funded specially to show their work in public places for free to try and encourage more people to experience art. It can be a good way of reaching new audiences by taking art to them rather than waiting for them to come to a theatre or a gallery to see work. If Creative Minds is about challenging what people might think about the quality of learning disabled work, perhaps taking it out out of galleries and theatres and onto the streets could be a good start…but of course someone would have to pay the artists for that!
Making and Doing quality Art for other people can take your time as a artist. I also think that in order to develop your skills, you might want to go and do a quality course in your artform or see another artist from another area which may take you away from home for a time. You may also need other help and support in order to gain much from the course or time away . This can cost you hard cash. As a visual Artist, I have to replace pens and paper plus find other artists who I may wish to work with.
But then, who defines what quality is? Why do you name these company’s as examples? What are you measuring their “quality” by? I think Back to Back do great work, but they are far from the only ones. I’ve seen stuff that’s moved me to tears presented in nursing homes and day centres, as I’m sure you have. For me, quality is to do with intent. When I believe people are genuine I can suspend my disbelief and enjoy the creative moment, wherever I am.