News / Arts
Bristol artists in protest relay for fair pay
Groups of Bristol artists stationed at some of the city’s best-known galleries took part in a relay as part of a campaign for fair pay.
While Bristol City were touring the city celebrating their league win, artists passed a baton between venues to raise awareness of low wages in the industry.
Campaign group Paying Artists says 73 per cent of artists don’t get paid for exhibiting in publicly-funded galleries. It estimates 63 per cent of artists turn down gallery requests as they cannot afford to exhibit for free.
is needed now More than ever
Dressed in sports kit holding banners and a flag saying ‘secure our future’, groups were spotted outside the Arnolfini and Spike Island on Bank Holiday Monday.
About 100 artist took part in the relay. Libita Clayton, organiser of the relay race, said: ‘The arts play a massive role in the culture and economy of this city. However, we have a real concern that if we continue to be asked to make and show our work for free, more of us will be forced to stop taking part.’
Bristol-based artist and campaigner Ben Owen said: ‘We believe artists – like everyone else – should receive a fair wage for what they do and that it is important for public funders to realise the full value of their investment.
‘We know galleries around the country are having a hard time with funding. Our aim with this event is to celebrate galleries that are taking positive steps to improve conditions for artists in Bristol.’