Stopping the “Work Free for Exposure” Conundrum

Everyone who practices an artistic discipline has been pitched the “work free for exposure” line. Tempting as it may seem, you should never take the bait.

A recent article in Dance Magazine by Jennifer Stahl entitled, Please Stop Asking Dancers to Perform “in Exchange for Exposure”, is worth the read:

“Doing anything for exposure is a lie, because if it’s truly good exposure, it generally means there is a budget, and it won’t be done for free.” ~ Dance Magazine, Aug 1, 2018

MALC’s recently released “2018 By Artists, For Artists” report, based on data gathered from across all artistic disciplines in Massachusetts, found that many earn at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Professional artists/creatives, even though they are highly educated, on average, earn below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, or, in most cases, below $40,000. The 2017 survey median for gross income was $38,000 for all Massachusetts professional artists/creatives. ~ Recommendations, “2018 By Artists, For Artists“

We need to raise awareness across the board that the work of artists/creatives should be valued and fairly compensated!

It cannot be stressed enough that artists of all disciplines and creatives need to be paid fairly for their work and services. They should not be asked to donate, work, perform or exhibit for free or at a substandard wage. It is important to ensure that free student labor and other free artistic labor sources do not undercut this labor market. ~  Recommendations, “2018 By Artists, For Artists“

To download the “2018 By Artists, For Artist” report and press release:

 http://artistsunderthedome.org/census.html