The status of the artist: “Ageism is the last discriminatory measure we have” – The Medium
The status of the artist: “Ageism is the last discriminatory measure ... The Medium
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The Status of Artists in Canada: A Report on the Challenges and Needs of Senior Artists
Introduction
After World War II, the Massey Commission in Canada aimed to foster culture and art within the country. This led to the establishment of various funding programs and support measures for creative activities such as book publishing, film and television production, and the recording industry.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The Role of UNESCO and the Status of the Artist Act
- In 1980, UNESCO called on Member States to improve the professional, social, and economic status of artists.
- In response, the Canadian government created an advisory committee that led to the enactment of the Status of the Artist Act in 1992.
The Senior Artists Research Project and the Canadian Artists Network (CAN)
- The Senior Artists Research Project, conducted by Garry Neil and a group of artists’ associations, highlighted the unique situation of senior artists who continue to work and feel their best work is yet to come.
- The findings of the study inspired the creation of the Canadian Artists Network (CAN), an organization that provides services and programs to support the needs of seasoned artists.
Maintaining Creativity 8 Conference: Addressing the Challenges Faced by Senior Artists
- The eighth annual virtual conference, Maintaining Creativity 8, focused on the economic stability of professional artists, particularly senior artists.
- The panel discussion highlighted the lower median income of professional artists compared to all workers and the financial precarity faced by senior artists as independent or self-employed workers.
The Neglect of Older Artists and the Need for Support
- While support for emerging artists and traditionally marginalized communities is important, older artists are often ignored and expected to rely on their own resources.
- Public support is necessary to maintain a robust artistic community and address the day-to-day challenges faced by senior artists.
The Motivation of Senior Artists
Despite the challenges and uncertainty, senior artists continue to pursue their art because of their passion and love for their craft. Their dedication contributes to a vibrant artistic community.
The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of artists in social cohesion and intercultural dialogue. The arts proved their significance as artists adapted to new ways of working, such as online platforms like Zoom.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses the status of artists in Canada and their professional, social, and economic challenges. It highlights the need for policies and measures to improve the status of artists, which aligns with SDG 4 on quality education, as it emphasizes the importance of training and professional development for artists. The article also touches upon the issue of artists’ income and financial precarity, which relates to SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth. Furthermore, the article mentions the marginalized position of older artists, indicating a concern for reduced inequalities (SDG 10). Lastly, the article refers to the creation of the Status of the Artist Act in Canada, which is related to SDG 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
- Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are as follows:
– Target 4.3 focuses on ensuring equal access to quality education for artists.
– Target 8.5 aims to achieve full and productive employment for artists and ensure equal pay.
– Target 10.2 seeks to promote the inclusion of older artists and address inequalities in support and funding.
– Target 16.10 emphasizes the importance of protecting artists’ freedom of expression and access to information.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
- Access to affordable and quality training programs for artists (related to Target 4.3)
- Income levels and financial stability of artists (related to Target 8.5)
- Representation and support for older artists in funding programs (related to Target 10.2)
- Existence and implementation of policies protecting artists’ freedom of expression (related to Target 16.10)
These indicators can be used to track progress in improving the status of artists and achieving the identified targets.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university. | Access to affordable and quality training programs for artists |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | Income levels and financial stability of artists |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | Representation and support for older artists in funding programs |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements. | Existence and implementation of policies protecting artists’ freedom of expression |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: themedium.ca
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