I have a little something to say about this because I don't like seeing job cuts... in any industry, but especially in the one I have worked in all my life.
Plain Copy: I have a little something to say about this because I don't like seeing job cuts... in any industry, but especially in the one I have worked in all my life.
I have faced 35 years of rejection from Creative New Zealand When I was younger it was bitterly disappointing. It made me question my ability and wonder whether I was good enough. But over time I learned one of the biggest lessons of my career... I couldn't let disappointment stop me. I had to find another way.
When I returned to the industry after having children , I noticed it had changed. There seemed to be more NGOs and organisations dependent on government funding and, from what I can see, the new CNZ strategy heads even further in that direction. To me, that's another step away from paying artists directly.
Over the years I've had meetings with the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage and MBIE Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment because I wanted to make one point: NZ is sitting on an incredible intellectual property opportunity. Its own bed of diamonds.
If we invested more in creating, developing and exporting our IP, the commercial returns could help fund our fine arts, create jobs and build a thriving creative industry. Every time I walked out of those meetings I thought, *could their eyes have glazed over any more?* They probably think I'm nuts... but I still believe we're missing a huge opportunity...while jobs continue to be lost.
A book that really resonated with me on this subject was The Death of the Artist: How Creators Are Struggling to Survive in the Age of Billionaires and Big Tech by William Deresiewicz. If this topic interests you, it's well worth a read.
As for me... I'm about to produce something that has taken a lifetime to write. Of course I'll apply for funding because it's there, but I'll also back myself, ask for help from my supporters, businesses, friends and long-suffering family. Then I'll make it happen. That's what artists do.
Mostly, though, I want to create jobs for the talented people who'll work with me on this project... and then I want to export it.
Creative industry jobs are worth fighting for because New Zealand's intellectual property could be one of our greatest exports.
So here's my little word of encouragement to every artist...
If you want to make art... make it.
Don't wait for permission.
Don't let disappointment stop you.
Every obstacle will teach you something if you let it.
The world doesn't need more people waiting to tick boxes. It needs more people creating.
And in good Stoic fashion... The obstacle is the way.
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