The Importance of Guaranteed Income for Artists and Creatives
In the ever-evolving landscape of the creative industry, one concept that has sparked considerable debate is the idea of a basic guaranteed income for artists and creatives. This concept was recently explored in a compelling round table discussion facilitated by Shannon Shine, featuring insightful contributions from Selomon, Billy Morgan, Samantha Phoenix, and Lacey Vilandry.
Photo featuring creatives of the Appalachia that communed for a larger discussion prior to our official podcast. The discussion was led by the RiffRaff Art Collective and podcast followed up by representatives of the Bring Me 2 Life Network.
This discussion was inspired by the pioneering work of Creatives Rebuild New York, and CreativeStudy.com, and following a stimulating conversation led by the RiffRaff Art Collective and supported by The Waymakers Collective in West Virginia. The focus was on how guaranteed income could change the game for artists and creatives, and the broader implications for society.
Fired up on these topic of discussion these creatives continued the discussion to be shared on the Bring Me 2 Life , and the We Are Artists Podcasts to bring more awareness to the discussion and we would love to hear your feedback too!
The conversation delved into several crucial topics such as:
Innovative film-maker and problem solver Billy Morgan creatively turns a production light into his mic stand for today’s podcast, to help make sure everyone had a voice at the table. Cheers to problem solving in the moment. That’s what creatives do!
Proof of Income: Establishing a consistent and reliable income stream for artists can help them secure loans, housing, and other financial necessities.
Healthcare Costs: Guaranteed income could provide the financial stability needed to afford essential healthcare, ensuring artists can maintain their health while pursuing their passions.
Breaking the Stigma: Challenging the outdated notion that artists deserve to starve or that being an artist isn't a worthy career choice. A guaranteed income can help remove the fear associated with pursuing a career in the arts.
Basic needs, food, supplies, and other necessary resources being covered to create a foundation to survive and nurture creative endeavors.
Why Artists Need Guaranteed Income?
The importance of guaranteed income for artists cannot be overstated. Here are some key reasons why this initiative is crucial:
Stability and Security: A guaranteed income provides a safety net, allowing artists to focus on their craft without the constant worry of financial instability.
Encouraging Innovation: With financial pressures alleviated, artists can take creative risks and explore new ideas, leading to greater innovation and artistic expression.
Societal Benefits: Supporting artists through guaranteed income can lead to a more vibrant and culturally rich society, benefiting everyone.
Breaking Barriers: By ensuring financial support, we can help break down barriers that prevent talented individuals from pursuing a career in the arts, fostering diversity and inclusivity within the creative community.
Guaranteed income for artists and creatives is more than just a financial support system; it's a transformative initiative that can reshape the creative industry and society at large. By providing stability, encouraging innovation, and breaking down barriers, we can create a more inclusive and dynamic world for artists and everyone else.
Tune in to our podcast to hear more about this vital conversation and join us in envisioning a future where artists are supported and celebrated for their invaluable contributions.