Spotlight On Working for Free in the Arts
in partnership with
- Date: Tuesday 15th December 2009
6.30pm - 8.30pm. Followed by optional networking session: 8.30pm – 9.30pm.
- Venue: Contact
Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA. Find it.
- Cost: Free to members of PANDA and Redeye / £5 non-members
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We are pleased to announce details of our next Spotlight On, in partnership with Contact and Redeye.
This practical panel-led information and networking event is open to anyone working in the arts in the North West. Join us at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th December 2009 as our panel of guest speakers examine the pros and cons of working for free in the arts.
The arts sector has a strong culture of working for free in order to get a foot on the ladder. There are numerous ways to gain valuable experience, from structured placement and apprenticeship schemes, to taking the DIY approach and making your own opportunities. These can be important if not essential stepping stones to a career in the performing arts, photography, music or any other artform.
Many arts organisations rely on volunteers as an essential resource and provide high quality opportunities which contribute to the professional development of both the individuals involved and the sector as a whole.
However, in these challenging economic times there is even more pressure on creatives and arts professionals to work for no or low pay, and not necessarily just people at the start of their career.
Is this culture of unpaid work just a sign of the times, a temporary blip during the recession? Or is it a symptom of a growing trend which exploits artists and arts professionals unfairly, devalues the work produced and even forces people out of the sector?
PANDA and Redeye are two networks that share a common goal of developing a healthy and sustainable arts sector in the North West, with PANDA supporting the performing arts and Redeye, photography. This Spotlight On will advise performing arts practitioners and photographers alike how to strike a balance between creating mutually positive experiences and avoiding destructive exploitation.
Our panel of guest speakers will discuss:
- Ways of working for free – different options available for getting experience, including volunteering, placements, internships, apprenticeships, work experience schemes and secondments.
- The benefits of voluntary work – boost your CV by gaining valuable experience, making contacts, sharing skills and bringing your creativity and fresh perspectives to the situation.
- The negative elements – the issues and possible solutions around exploitation of artists and arts professionals, exclusion of people on low incomes who can’t afford to work for free, and the devaluation of work of the individual and the sector as a whole.
- How to find voluntary work – where to find existing opportunities, how to put in speculative applications, and get informed about your rights so you can make volunteering a positive experience and avoid any pitfalls.
- Engaging volunteers – when is it appropriate for photographers or arts organisations to offer unpaid work, what are the legal responsibilities involved and what paperwork is required?
- And finally, breaking the cycle – when and how to start getting paid for your work!
See the speakers for Spotlight On Working for Free in the Arts
You are invited to stay on after the discussion to join us for a festive social and networking session in the Contact Lounge bar. Stay and chat with the guest speakers and your friends, colleagues and new contacts from the Spotlight On session and relax over a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. The PANDA team will be there too to hear your ideas and suggestions for the Spotlight On programme next year.
Book your place
To book a place at Spotlight On Working for Free in the Arts contact Rachel Morton on 0161 274 0626 or email rachel@panda-arts.org.uk.